Psalms 107:18

Psalm 107:18 vividly portrays the desperate condition of those who, having suffered due to their own foolishness or rebellion (as introduced in Psalm 107:17), are brought to the very brink of death. This verse underscores the severe physical and spiritual consequences of straying from God's ways.

Context

Psalm 107 is a powerful psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's steadfast love (Hebrew: hesed) and miraculous deliverance for various groups of people in distress. It describes four distinct scenarios where individuals cry out to the Lord and are saved: wanderers in the wilderness, prisoners in darkness, those afflicted by their own transgression (the group our verse describes), and sailors in a storm. Each section culminates with a call to praise God for His goodness. Verse 18 specifically details the extreme physical and mental debilitation experienced by those whose suffering is a consequence of their sin, illustrating their profound need for divine intervention.

Key Themes

• Consequences of Rebellion: The verse starkly illustrates the severe physical and spiritual decline that can result from a life of disobedience or foolish choices. It shows how alienation from God's wisdom can lead to a loss of vitality and hope.
• Extreme Sickness and Despair: "Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat" describes a complete loss of appetite, a classic symptom of severe illness or deep psychological distress. This indicates a state of extreme suffering where the body is failing, and the will to live is diminished.
• Proximity to Death: To "draw near unto the gates of death" is a powerful poetic metaphor signifying being on the very threshold of the grave. It suggests a point of no return, where life is ebbing away, and only a miracle can prevent demise. This imagery is also found in other psalms, highlighting the gravity of their situation (e.g., Psalm 9:13).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "abhorreth" is ta'ab (תָּעַב), which conveys a strong sense of detesting, loathing, or abominating. This is more than just a lack of desire; it's an active aversion to food, emphasizing the depth of their physical and spiritual sickness. "Meat" (okel, אֹכֶל) refers broadly to any kind of food or nourishment. The phrase "gates of death" (sha'arei mavet, שַׁעֲרֵי מָוֶת) is a common ancient Near Eastern idiom for the entrance to the underworld or the grave, signifying extreme danger and the very brink of mortality.

Practical Application

Psalm 107:18 serves as a potent reminder of the destructive power of sin and foolishness in our lives, which can lead to profound physical and spiritual distress. It highlights that our actions have consequences, and at times, these consequences can bring us to a desperate state. However, the overarching message of Psalm 107 is one of hope and divine deliverance. Even when we are at our lowest point, at the "gates of death," God hears the cries of those who turn to Him. The recurring refrain throughout the psalm—"Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses"—assures us that God is ready and able to deliver and restore. This verse encourages us to acknowledge our need for God, turn to Him in repentance and faith, and trust in His boundless power to bring healing and new life, just as He sent His word, and healed them (Psalm 107:20).