TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 107:17–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Bodily sickness is another of the calamities of this life which gives us an opportunity of experiencing the goodness of God in recovering us, and of that the psalmist speaks in these verses, where we may observe,
I.That we, by our sins, bring sickness upon ourselves and then it is our duty to pray, Psa 107:17-19.
1.It is the sin of the soul that is the cause of sickness; we bring it upon ourselves both meritoriously and efficiently: Fools, because of their transgression, are thus afflicted; they are thus corrected for the sins they have committed and thus cured of their evil inclinations to sin. If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness; but the transgression of our life, and the iniquity of our heart, make it necessary. Sinners are fools; they wrong themselves, and all against their own interest, not only their spiritual, but their secular interest. They prejudice their bodily health by intemperance and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly, and they need the rod of correction to drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts.
2.The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness, Psa 107:18. When people are sick their soul abhors all manner of meat; they not only have no desire to eat nor power to digest it, but they nauseate it, and their stomach is turned against it. And here they may read their sin in their punishment: those that doted most on the meat that perishes, when they come to be sick are sick of it, and the dainties they loved are loathed; what they took too much of now they can take nothing of, which commonly follows upon the overcharging of the heart with surfeiting and drunkenness. And when the appetite is gone the life is as good as gone: They draw near unto the gates of death; they are, in their own apprehension and in the apprehension of all about them, at the brink of the grave, as ready to be turned to destruction.
3.Then is a proper time for prayer: Then they cry unto the Lord, Psa 107:19. Is any sick? Let him pray; let him be prayed for. Prayer is a salve for every sore.
II.That it is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and then it is our duty to be thankful. Compare with this Job 33:18, Job 33:28.
1.When those that are sick call upon God he returns them an answer of peace. They cry unto him and he saves them out of their distresses (Psa 107:19); he removes their griefs and prevents their fears.
(1.)He does it easily: He sent his word and healed them, Psa 107:20. This may be applied to the miraculous cures which Christ wrought when he was upon earth, by a word's speaking; he said, Be clean, Be whole, and the work was done. It may also be applied to the spiritual cures which the Spirit of grace works in regeneration; he sends his word, and heals souls, convinces, converts, sanctifies them, and all by the word. In the common instances of recovery from sickness God in his providence does but speak, and it is done.
(2.)He does it effectually: He delivereth them out of their destructions, that they shall neither be destroyed nor distressed with the fear of being so. Nothing is too hard for that God to do who kills and makes alive again, brings down to the grave and raises up, who turneth man almost to destruction, and yet saith, Return.
2.When those that have been sick are restored they must return to God an answer of praise (Psa 107:21, Psa 107:22): Let all men praise the Lord for his goodness, and let those, particularly, to whom God has thus granted a new life, spend it in his service; let them sacrifice with thanksgiving, not only bring a thank-offering to the altar, but a thankful heart to God. Thanksgivings are the best thank-offerings, and shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock. And let them declare his works with rejoicing, to his honour and for the encouragement of others. The living, the living, they shall praise him.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Therefore also of this benefit, as of the others before, "Let them confess to the Lord His mercies, and His wonders unto the sons of men" [Psalm 107:21].
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Summary
Psalms 107:21 serves as a profound, divinely inspired plea and universal invitation for all humanity to offer heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to the LORD. It encapsulates the core message of Psalm 107, urging people to acknowledge and celebrate God's inherent, steadfast goodness and His awe-inspiring, miraculous interventions in their lives. This verse functions as a climactic refrain, punctuating narratives of divine deliverance and underscoring the appropriate human response to God's unfailing redemptive power and compassion, emphasizing that His benevolent acts extend to every individual.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 107:21 functions as a pivotal refrain within Psalm 107, a magnificent psalm of communal thanksgiving that recounts four distinct scenarios of distress and subsequent divine deliverance. The psalm opens with a call to give thanks to the LORD "for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" as stated in Psalms 107:1. It then details the plight of wanderers lost in the wilderness found in Psalms 107:4-9, prisoners in darkness described in Psalms 107:10-16, sick people afflicted by their sins as seen in Psalms 107:17-22, and sailors caught in violent storms narrated in Psalms 107:23-32. Each of these sections culminates in a variation of the refrain found in verse 21, specifically in Psalms 107:8, Psalms 107:15, and Psalms 107:31. Verse 21 specifically follows the narrative of those delivered from sickness and near death, emphasizing God's restorative power and compassion after they "cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses" as recorded in Psalms 107:19. This repetition powerfully reinforces the psalm's central message: God is the deliverer, and humanity's proper response is praise.
Historical & Cultural Context
Psalm 107 is often categorized as a wisdom psalm or a psalm of communal thanksgiving, frequently associated with the post-exilic period (after the return from Babylonian captivity). This era was marked by a deep reflection on God's faithfulness despite Israel's disobedience and subsequent exile. The scenarios depicted (wandering, captivity, illness, storms) resonate profoundly with the collective and individual experiences of a people who had faced immense hardship and witnessed God's sovereign hand in their restoration. The call to "praise the LORD" (הוֹדוּ לַיהוָה, hodu Yahweh) was central to Israelite corporate worship and individual piety, often involving public declarations of God's deeds. The concept of God's "goodness" (חֶסֶד, chesed) was deeply embedded in the covenant relationship, signifying His steadfast love, loyal kindness, and enduring mercy—a faithfulness that transcended human failings. The "wonderful works" (נִפְלָאוֹת, niphla'ot) referred to acts that defied natural explanation, clearly demonstrating divine power and intervention, reminiscent of the Exodus miracles and God's ongoing providential care for His people.
Key Themes
The overarching theme of Psalm 107, powerfully encapsulated in verse 21, is God's Redemptive Deliverance and the corresponding human response of Thanksgiving and Praise. The psalm vividly illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His people, rescuing them from various forms of peril—physical, spiritual, and existential. This highlights the theme of Divine Compassion and Intervention, where God hears the cries of the afflicted and acts decisively to save them as seen in Psalms 107:6. The repetition of the refrain underscores the Universality of God's Goodness, extending His benevolent care to "the children of men," implying that His saving acts are not limited to Israel but are available to all who call upon Him. Furthermore, the psalm emphasizes the Consequences of Human Sin and Rebellion (as seen in Psalms 107:17), which often lead to distress, yet God's mercy consistently triumphs over judgment. Ultimately, the psalm champions the theme of Remembering and Declaring God's Deeds, urging believers to not only experience deliverance but to actively proclaim His greatness for the benefit of future generations and all humanity, as concluded in Psalms 107:43.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, often translated as "to praise" or "to give thanks," literally means "to throw" or "to cast." In its Hiphil stem, as used here, it signifies an outward, public declaration of gratitude and adoration, often accompanied by uplifted hands or a posture of surrender and acknowledgment. It is not merely an internal feeling but an active, expressed response to God's character and deeds, a "throwing forth" of praise that acknowledges His worthiness.
This is one of the richest theological terms in the Old Testament, frequently rendered as "steadfast love," "mercy," "lovingkindness," or "covenant faithfulness." It denotes a loyal, unwavering, and active love that God demonstrates towards His people, especially within the context of His covenant promises. It represents not just a benign disposition but a deep, enduring, and committed benevolence that motivates His saving acts, even when His people are undeserving.
Derived from the root pâlâ', meaning "to be distinct," "to be extraordinary," or "to be incomprehensible," this term refers to God's miraculous, astonishing, and awe-inspiring deeds. These are acts that transcend human capability and natural explanation, clearly pointing to divine power, wisdom, and intervention. They evoke wonder and awe, serving as undeniable evidence of God's active presence and sovereignty in the world.
The phrase "children of men" (בְּנֵי אָדָם, b'ney 'adam) is a common Hebrew idiom referring to humanity in general, or all people. Bên (son/child) in this context refers to the descendants or members of the human race, while 'âdâm (man/human being) denotes mankind as a species. Together, they emphasize the universal scope of God's goodness and wonderful works, extending His benevolent actions and the call to praise to every individual.
Verse Breakdown
"Oh that [men] would praise the LORD"
This opening phrase, introduced by the interjection "Oh that" (לוּ, lu), expresses a profound, earnest longing or fervent wish. It is not a command but a heartfelt exclamation, a passionate desire from the psalmist that all humanity ("men," implying all people) would respond appropriately to God's character and actions. The call to "praise the LORD" (יֹדוּ לַיהוָה, yodu Yahweh) is an invitation to give thanks, confess, and laud Him publicly and wholeheartedly.
"[for] his goodness"
This clause provides the first, foundational reason for the desired praise. The goodness of God, His chesed, is presented as an inherent attribute of His character—His loyal love, enduring mercy, and covenant faithfulness. It is because of who God is, His very nature, that He is supremely worthy of praise.
"and [for] his wonderful works"
This clause offers the second, equally compelling reason for praise, complementing the first. It shifts from God's intrinsic character to His active demonstrations of power and love in the world. His niphla'ot are the astonishing, miraculous interventions that testify to His sovereignty and His active engagement with humanity, delivering them from various forms of distress.
"to the children of men!"
This concluding phrase broadens the scope of God's goodness and wonderful works, emphasizing their universal applicability. It signifies that God's benevolent actions are not confined to a select few but are extended to all humanity, making the call to praise universally relevant and inviting every individual to acknowledge His saving hand and respond with gratitude.
Literary Devices
Psalm 107:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is Refrain, as this verse (or a near identical variation) is repeated four times throughout the psalm as seen in Psalms 107:8, Psalms 107:15, Psalms 107:21, and Psalms 107:31. This repetition serves to reinforce the central theme of thanksgiving for divine deliverance, creating a powerful rhythmic and thematic anchor for the entire composition. The verse also functions as an Exclamation, indicated by the "Oh that" (לוּ, lu) at the beginning, which expresses a fervent desire or longing. This injects an emotional intensity into the psalmist's plea, making it more than just a statement but a passionate yearning for humanity's proper response. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of Parallelism, specifically synonymous or complementary parallelism, between "his goodness" and "his wonderful works." While distinct, these two concepts are presented in conjunction, both serving as compelling reasons for praise, thereby enriching and reinforcing the understanding of God's praiseworthy attributes and actions. The structure also contributes to a sense of Inclusio when considering the entire psalm, as the opening verses set the stage for the praise that the refrains then call for, and the closing verses provide a concluding reflection on wisdom and understanding God's chesed in Psalms 107:43.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 107:21 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the appropriate human response. It asserts that God's goodness (חֶסֶד, chesed) is not merely an abstract quality but is tangibly demonstrated through His "wonderful works" (נִפְלָאוֹת, niphla'ot). This verse links God's inherent character directly to His active demonstrations of power and love, teaching that His love is active, redemptive, and interventionist. The call to praise is therefore not a mere suggestion but a moral and spiritual imperative, a recognition of divine truth and reality. It implies that to withhold praise in the face of such goodness and mighty deeds is to be spiritually blind or ungrateful. The psalm, through this refrain, invites humanity into a reciprocal relationship with God: He delivers, and we respond with grateful adoration, thereby acknowledging His sovereignty and our dependence. This dynamic is foundational to biblical faith, emphasizing that true worship flows from an understanding and experience of God's active benevolence in the world.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 107:21 is more than an ancient poem; it is a timeless summons to cultivate a heart saturated with gratitude and active praise. In a world often consumed by complaint, anxiety, or self-sufficiency, this verse redirects our gaze to the divine source of all goodness and miraculous intervention. It challenges us to pause, reflect, and intentionally acknowledge the countless ways God's steadfast love and powerful works manifest in our daily lives—from the grand deliverances that alter our trajectory to the quiet, consistent provisions that sustain our existence. To "praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works" means developing a spiritual discipline of recognition and articulation. It calls us to move beyond passive reception of blessings to active, heartfelt thanksgiving, whether in private devotion or public testimony. Such praise not only honors God but also transforms our own perspective, fostering resilience, hope, and a deeper awareness of His ever-present care. It reminds us that our personal narratives of deliverance are part of a larger, universal story of God's faithfulness to all "children of men," compelling us to share His glory with others and invite them into this posture of grateful adoration.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the repeated refrain in Psalm 107, and why is Psalms 107:21 part of it?
The repeated refrain, including Psalms 107:21, is a crucial literary and theological device in Psalm 107. It serves multiple significant purposes. First, it acts as a structural anchor, dividing the psalm into distinct sections, each detailing a specific scenario of distress and divine rescue. Second, it emphasizes the consistent pattern of God's interaction with humanity: people cry out in trouble, God delivers, and the appropriate response is praise. This repetition reinforces the psalm's central message that God is a faithful deliverer, and His goodness and wonderful works are the unwavering reasons for thanksgiving. The inclusion of Psalms 107:21 specifically after the narrative of healing from sickness (see Psalms 107:17-20) underscores that God's restorative power and compassion are just as worthy of praise as His deliverance from physical dangers or captivity. The refrain ensures that the reader or worshiper continually returns to the core message: God's actions demand a response of grateful adoration from "the children of men."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 107:21, with its fervent call to praise God for His goodness and wonderful works, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm recounts God's historical deliverances, these serve as powerful foreshadowings of the definitive deliverance wrought by the Son of God. Jesus is the supreme embodiment of God's chesed (goodness/steadfast love); His incarnation, life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection are the greatest demonstrations of divine love and mercy poured out "to the children of men" as declared in John 3:16. The "wonderful works" (נִפְלָאוֹת, niphla'ot) of God reach their zenith in Christ's miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, and raising the dead—all of which were signs pointing to His divine authority and saving power as evidenced in Matthew 11:4-5. The ultimate "wonderful work" is the victory over sin and death achieved on the cross and through the empty tomb, offering spiritual deliverance from the deepest human distress as explained in Romans 5:8. Therefore, the call to "praise the LORD" in Psalms 107:21 becomes a call to praise God in Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God and the one through whom all things are reconciled as affirmed in Colossians 1:15-20. Believers are now called to offer ceaseless praise for the new covenant of grace established through Him, recognizing that in Christ, God's goodness and wonderful works have been revealed in their fullest, most redemptive, and eternally significant form, leading to every spiritual blessing as celebrated in Ephesians 1:3-14.