Psalms 107:3

KJV

And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

KJV (with Strong's)

And gathered {H6908} them out of the lands {H776}, from the east {H4217}, and from the west {H4628}, from the north {H6828}, and from the south {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gathered them from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

American Standard Version

And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:3 powerfully encapsulates God's magnificent power and unwavering faithfulness in restoring His people, specifically highlighting His sovereign act of gathering them from every corner of the earth. This verse serves as a foundational statement within a psalm of thanksgiving, setting the stage for subsequent narratives that illustrate the Lord's enduring mercy and miraculous deliverance for those who cry out to Him in their various troubles and dispersions. It underscores the comprehensive reach of divine redemption, emphasizing that no distance or circumstance can thwart God's purpose to bring His beloved back into His fold, demonstrating His active and intentional care for His scattered flock.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 107 opens with a resounding call to praise the Lord, "for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" ([Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalm 107:1 - God's Enduring Mercy")). Verse 3 acts as a crucial introductory statement, establishing the overarching theme of divine restoration that will be exemplified throughout the psalm. The psalm then unfolds into four distinct, illustrative scenarios of human distress and God's subsequent deliverance: wanderers lost in the wilderness ([Psalm 107:4-9](/psalms/107-4-9 "Psalm 107:4-9 - Deliverance for Wanderers")), prisoners in darkness and chains ([Psalm 107:10-16](/psalms/107-10-16 "Psalm 107:10-16 - Deliverance for Prisoners")), fools suffering affliction due to their sin ([Psalm 107:17-22](/psalms/107-17-22 "Psalm 107:17-22 - Deliverance for Sinners")), and sailors imperiled by violent storms at sea ([Psalm 107:23-32](/psalms/107-23-32 "Psalm 107:23-32 - Deliverance for Seafarers")). Each scenario follows a consistent pattern: distress, crying out to the Lord, divine deliverance, and a call to thanksgiving. Verse 3 provides the grand, comprehensive backdrop, indicating that God's acts of deliverance are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, ongoing pattern of gathering His scattered people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "gathering" held profound significance for ancient Israel, a people who repeatedly experienced scattering due to both internal disobedience and external geopolitical forces. The most prominent historical examples include the Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom and, particularly, the Babylonian captivity of the southern kingdom, which saw a significant portion of the population deported to foreign lands ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")). For a people whose identity was deeply intertwined with their land and covenant relationship with Yahweh, dispersion was a profound calamity, often viewed as divine judgment. Thus, the promise and act of "gathering" represented not just a physical return but a restoration of identity, covenant relationship, and national hope. The mention of "east, west, north, and south" was a common biblical idiom (a **merism**) to denote totality and universality, emphasizing that no place was beyond God's reach or restorative power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Restoration**, highlighting that it is God Himself who actively "gathered them." This emphasizes His supreme authority over the destinies of nations and individuals, asserting that even scattering was not outside His ultimate control, and subsequent restoration is purely His deliberate, purposeful work. Secondly, the verse speaks to **Comprehensive Deliverance**, as the specification "from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south" signifies the universal and exhaustive reach of God's redemptive power. No matter how far or wide His people were dispersed, His hand could reach them to bring them back, reflecting broader prophetic themes of God's ultimate restoration of Israel from all lands ([Isaiah 43:5](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5 - God Gathers His Scattered People")). Finally, it illuminates **God's Enduring Faithfulness to His Covenant**. Despite the circumstances that often led to their dispersion (frequently their own rebellion and sin), God remains true to His covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants. He is a God who remembers His people, acts decisively to deliver them, and brings them back into relationship and community, as seen throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones and Israel's Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gathered (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** The Hebrew verb קָבַץ (_qâbats'_, H6908) is a primitive root meaning "to grasp, i.e. collect; assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up." In this verse, its application to God's action emphasizes a deliberate, intentional, and purposeful act of bringing together a dispersed or scattered group. It conveys a sense of divine initiative and active intervention, rather than a passive or accidental reunion. The use of this verb highlights God's role as the active agent in the restoration of His people, underscoring His power and commitment to their welfare.
* **lands (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** The Hebrew noun אֶרֶץ (_ʼerets'_, H776), though singular in its root form, is used here in its plural sense ("lands" or "countries"), referring to various territories, countries, or regions, distinct from the singular "land" which often refers specifically to Israel. Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," it denotes "the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] nations, way, [phrase] wilderness, world." This plural form explicitly indicates that God's people were scattered across multiple foreign nations, not merely displaced within their own territory. It reinforces the severity and comprehensiveness of their dispersion, making God's act of gathering even more remarkable and demonstrating His universal reach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And gathered them out of the lands":** This opening phrase immediately establishes God as the active subject, the one who initiates and accomplishes the gathering. "Them" refers to His people, primarily Israel, who had been dispersed due to various historical circumstances, often as a consequence of their disobedience. The phrase "out of the lands" powerfully conveys their widespread dispersion across foreign territories, emphasizing the depth of their plight and the magnitude of God's restorative work. It signifies a divine rescue from places of alienation and hardship, demonstrating God's sovereign power to intervene in the most dire circumstances.
* **"from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south":** This is a classic biblical merism, using the four cardinal directions to signify totality and universality. It means "from everywhere" or "from all directions." This comprehensive geographical scope underscores that no matter how far or widely God's people were scattered, His hand of deliverance could reach them. It speaks to the absolute extent of His power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, ensuring that not one of His redeemed would be forgotten or left behind, highlighting the boundless nature of His redemptive reach.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 107:3 is **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, "from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south" encompasses all possible directions, thereby signifying the totality and universality of God's gathering. This device effectively communicates the comprehensive scope of God's power and His ability to reclaim His people from literally every corner of the earth. Furthermore, the verse uses **Anthropomorphism** by attributing the human-like action of "gathering" to God, making His divine intervention relatable and emphasizing His personal involvement in the lives of His people. The phrase "out of the lands" also carries **Symbolism**, representing not just geographical locations but also states of alienation, exile, and spiritual wandering from God's presence and covenant, from which He actively redeems.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:3 resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of God's relationship with humanity, particularly His covenant people. It highlights God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even in the face of human failure. The act of "gathering" is a profound theological statement about God's restorative nature; He is not merely a God who punishes or scatters, but one who actively seeks to redeem, restore, and bring His people back into fellowship and blessing. This theme of divine regathering is a cornerstone of prophetic hope throughout the Old Testament, pointing to a future where God's people, regardless of their dispersion, would be brought back to their spiritual home and renewed in their relationship with Him. It underscores the truth that God's mercy triumphs over judgment, and His faithfulness endures forever, providing a powerful testament to His covenant loyalty.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God Will Gather Israel from Dispersion")
* [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - God Gathers Israel and Cleanses Them")
* [Zechariah 10:8](/zechariah/10-8 "Zechariah 10:8 - God Will Whistle for His People and Gather Them")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 107:3 offers profound comfort and enduring hope for individuals and communities today. In a world where many feel scattered, lost, or disconnected—whether physically displaced, emotionally fragmented, or spiritually adrift—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God knows exactly where each person is. He possesses the infinite power and the loving will to gather us, to bring us back into His fold, and to restore us to a place of peace, purpose, and belonging. It speaks to God's ability to mend what is broken, to reunite what has been separated, and to bring order out of chaos, whether in our personal lives, our relationships, or our sense of spiritual direction. Just as He faithfully gathered His ancient people from their exiles, He continues to work in the lives of believers, drawing us closer to Himself and to one another, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of His restorative grace. This truth invites us to trust in His sovereign care, even when our circumstances feel overwhelming or our path seems unclear, knowing that His gathering hand is always at work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's "gathering" power speak to areas of your life where you feel scattered, lost, or fragmented?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's restorative hand, bringing you back to Himself or to a place of peace and purpose?**
* **Considering God's faithfulness to gather His people, how might this encourage you to trust Him with future uncertainties or periods of spiritual dryness?**

### FAQ
**Who are "them" that God gathered in this verse?**

Answer: Primarily, "them" refers to the people of Israel, particularly those who had been dispersed or exiled from their homeland due to various historical events, such as the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. The psalm reflects the experience of a people who had known scattering and longed for divine restoration. However, in a broader theological sense, "them" can also be understood to encompass all of God's redeemed people throughout history, including those who feel spiritually lost or alienated, whom God actively seeks to gather into His loving embrace, fulfilling His promises to His chosen ones ([Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His Scattered People")).

**What does "out of the lands" signify in this context?**

Answer: "Out of the lands" signifies the widespread geographical dispersion of God's people into various foreign territories. It emphasizes that they were not merely displaced within their own country but were scattered across multiple nations, often as captives or exiles. This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of their distress and, by extension, the immense power and reach of God's restorative hand. It implies that no matter how far or wide they were scattered, God's ability to bring them back was limitless, fulfilling His promises to His people ([Isaiah 11:12](/isaiah/11-12 "Isaiah 11:12 - God Gathers the Outcasts of Israel")).

**How does this verse relate to the New Testament or the Church?**

Answer: This verse beautifully foreshadows the New Testament theme of God's ultimate gathering of His people through Jesus Christ. While it historically refers to Israel, its spiritual principle extends to the Church, which comprises believers gathered from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")). Jesus himself spoke of gathering His sheep ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers Other Sheep")), and the ultimate eschatological gathering of the elect from the four winds by His angels ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect")) directly echoes the language of Psalms 107:3. Thus, the verse serves as an Old Testament foundation for understanding God's universal redemptive plan to bring all His chosen people into His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:3, with its powerful declaration of God gathering His scattered people from every corner of the earth, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who came precisely to "seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), gathering His sheep not only from the fold of Israel but also "other sheep that are not of this fold" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers Other Sheep")), uniting them into one flock under one Shepherd. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility, reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The Church, the body of Christ, is the living testament to this divine gathering, composed of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language, brought together by the Holy Spirit into a new spiritual family ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). This gathering culminates in the glorious promise of His second coming, when He will send His angels to "gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect")), bringing all of God's redeemed into eternal fellowship with Him. Thus, the ancient hope of Psalms 107:3 is not merely a historical recollection but a vibrant, ongoing reality in Christ, who continues to gather His people into His kingdom and His eternal presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 106:47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

Isaiah 43:5

Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

Isaiah 43:6

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Jeremiah 29:14

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Ezekiel 36:24

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Jeremiah 31:8

Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.