Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

Oh that men would praise {H3034} the LORD {H3068} for his goodness {H2617}, and for his wonderful works {H6381} to the children {H1121} of men {H120}!

Let them give thanks to ADONAI for his grace, for his wonders bestowed on humanity!

Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.

Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalms 107:15 is a fervent plea and a recurring refrain within a psalm of thanksgiving, highlighting the appropriate human response to God's active involvement in the lives of His people. It serves as a passionate exclamation, "Oh that men would praise the LORD," emphasizing the longing for humanity to acknowledge and celebrate God's character and deeds.

Context

Psalm 107 is unique in its structure, presenting four distinct scenarios of distress and divine deliverance, each followed by this very call to praise. The verse immediately precedes this particular refrain (v. 15) follows the account of those who were imprisoned in darkness and iron, afflicted for their rebellion (verses 10-14). God heard their cry, broke their bonds, and delivered them. This pattern—distress, crying out, deliverance, and then the call to praise—underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and intervention in human suffering. The psalm as a whole paints a picture of God as the ultimate Deliverer, rescuing wanderers in the wilderness, captives, the sick, and those tossed by storms.

Key Themes

  • Divine Goodness (Chesed): The primary reason for praise is God's inherent "goodness." This refers to His steadfast love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. It's not just that God does good things, but that His very nature is good and benevolent towards humanity.
  • Wonderful Works (Nifla'ot): These are God's extraordinary, miraculous, and awe-inspiring acts. The psalm recounts specific examples of His powerful intervention in various human predicaments, demonstrating His ability to do what is beyond human capability. These "works" are tangible proofs of His goodness.
  • Call to Praise: The verse is a heartfelt exhortation for all people ("children of men") to respond with gratitude and worship. It's a recognition that praise is the fitting and natural response to experiencing God's deliverance and provision. This theme is echoed multiple times, such as in Psalm 107:8 and Psalm 107:31.
  • Universal Scope: God's goodness and wonderful works are directed towards "the children of men," signifying His care and intervention extend to all humanity, not just a select group.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "goodness" is chesed (חֶסֶד), a rich theological term often rendered as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love." It speaks of a loyal, enduring love that stems from a covenant relationship. It implies God's faithful commitment to His people. The phrase "wonderful works" comes from the Hebrew nifla'ot (נִפְלָאוֹת), which denotes something extraordinary, miraculous, or astonishing. It highlights the supernatural and awe-inspiring nature of God's interventions.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude. In a world prone to complaint and forgetfulness, Psalm 107:15 urges us to:

  • Recognize God's Hand: Actively look for and acknowledge God's "goodness" and "wonderful works" in our daily lives, both big and small.
  • Respond with Praise: Make praise a deliberate and consistent part of our spiritual discipline, not just when things are easy, but especially after experiencing deliverance from trials.
  • Share Our Testimony: Just as the psalm recounts stories of deliverance, we are called to share our own experiences of God's faithfulness, encouraging others to also praise Him for His goodness towards the children of men.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Psalms 107:21

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
  • Psalms 107:8

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
  • Psalms 107:31

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
  • Psalms 116:17

    I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Psalms 116:19

    In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

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