Psalms 107:32

KJV

Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them exalt {H7311} him also in the congregation {H6951} of the people {H5971}, and praise {H1984} him in the assembly {H4186} of the elders {H2205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them extol him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the leaders' council.

Berean Standard Bible

Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders.

American Standard Version

Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, And praise him in the seat of the elders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:32 serves as a climactic call to public worship and thanksgiving, urging both the general populace and their respected leaders to collectively exalt and praise God. This verse encapsulates the psalm's overarching message that God's consistent deliverance of His people from various forms of distress—from wilderness wandering to imprisonment, sickness, and maritime peril—demands a communal, joyous, and visible expression of gratitude and adoration for His steadfast love and wonderful works.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 107 is a wisdom psalm and a communal hymn of thanksgiving, structured around a recurring pattern of distress, crying out to the Lord, divine deliverance, and a call to praise. The psalm details four specific scenarios of God's saving acts: wanderers in the wilderness ([verses 4-9](/psalms/107-4-9 "Psalms 107:4-9 - God's Deliverance of Wanderers")), prisoners in darkness ([verses 10-16](/psalms/107-10-16 "Psalms 107:10-16 - God's Deliverance of Prisoners")), the sick afflicted by their sin ([verses 17-22](/psalms/107-17-22 "Psalms 107:17-22 - God's Deliverance of the Sick")), and sailors endangered by storms ([verses 23-32](/psalms/107-23-32 "Psalms 107:23-32 - God's Deliverance of Sailors")). Each narrative segment concludes with the refrain, "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" ([e.g., /psalms/107-8](/psalms/107-8 "Psalms 107:8 - The Recurring Call to Praise")). Verse 32 specifically follows the account of the sailors' deliverance, serving as the final, emphatic exhortation for this public praise, bringing the cycle of deliverance and thanksgiving to a crescendo before the psalm shifts to broader reflections on God's sovereignty over creation and human affairs in [verses 33-43](/psalms/107-33-43 "Psalms 107:33-43 - God's Sovereignty and Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed a high value on communal gatherings for both religious and civic purposes. The "congregation of the people" (קָהָל, *qâhâl*) refers to the general assembly of Israelites, often gathered at the temple or for significant events, where corporate worship, sacrifices, and the reading of the Law took place. The "assembly of the elders" (מוֹשָׁב זְקֵנִים, *môwshâb zâqên*) signifies the council of respected, often older, leaders who held significant authority in judicial, administrative, and spiritual matters within the community. These elders were seen as custodians of tradition and wisdom, and their participation in public worship lent weight and legitimacy to the communal act. Public praise was not merely a private spiritual exercise but a societal declaration of God's covenant faithfulness, reinforcing communal identity and shared theological understanding.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent throughout Psalm 107 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the indispensable nature of **public worship and corporate thanksgiving**. God's mighty acts of deliverance are not meant to be privately acknowledged but publicly proclaimed, serving as a testimony to His goodness and a means of strengthening communal faith. Secondly, it emphasizes **community participation and unity in praise**, illustrating that all segments of society, from the general populace to its esteemed leaders, are called to unite in exalting God. This inclusive call reinforces the idea that worship is a collective endeavor that binds the community together. Finally, flowing directly from the preceding narratives of divine rescue, the verse champions **gratitude for deliverance**, positioning public praise as the appropriate and necessary response to God's active intervention and salvation. This theme resonates with the psalm's opening declaration, "Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" ([/psalms/107-1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalms 107:1 - A Call to Enduring Thanksgiving")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exalt (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, a primitive root meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies the act of lifting God up in honor, acknowledging His supreme authority, worthiness, and transcendence. It is an act of veneration that recognizes His unparalleled greatness and power.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, a primitive root meaning "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify." This vibrant verb denotes a joyful, often boisterous, expression of adoration, commendation, or boasting in God, reflecting an enthusiastic and uninhibited declaration of His glory.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** From H6951, meaning "assemblage (usually concretely); assembly, company, congregation, multitude." This term refers to a formal, summoned assembly or gathering, typically for religious or civic purposes. It carries the connotation of a "called-out" group, emphasizing the intentionality and divine purpose behind the gathering of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them exalt him also":** This imperative call extends the psalm's recurring theme of praise. "Them" refers to all those who have experienced God's deliverance—the wanderers, prisoners, sick, and sailors—and by extension, all who benefit from His goodness. "Exalt" commands a public elevation of God's name, acknowledging His supreme position and worthiness above all.
* **"in the congregation of the people":** This specifies the setting for the exaltation: within the general assembly of God's people. It emphasizes that worship is not a private affair but a corporate, visible act. The "congregation" (קָהָל, *qâhâl*) implies a formally gathered community, highlighting the collective nature of their gratitude and adoration.
* **"and praise him":** This reiterates the call to worship, using a different, often more effusive, Hebrew term (*hâlal*). It complements "exalt" by suggesting a joyful, active, and perhaps even boisterous expression of adoration, celebrating God's wonderful works.
* **"in the assembly of the elders":** This further specifies the public setting, including the respected leaders and wise individuals of the community. Their presence and participation signify that praise is incumbent upon all, from the common person to those in positions of authority, and that leaders have a particular role in exemplifying and facilitating corporate worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 107:32 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The verse utilizes **parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where "exalt him... in the congregation of the people" is echoed and reinforced by "praise him in the assembly of the elders." This repetition with slight variation emphasizes the dual aspects of public worship—exaltation and praise—and the inclusive nature of the participants. The use of **imperative verbs** ("Let them exalt," "praise him") serves as a direct command, underscoring the psalmist's urgent and authoritative call to action. Furthermore, the specific mention of "congregation of the people" and "assembly of the elders" functions as a form of **merism**, representing the entirety of the community by naming its two key constituent parts (the general populace and its leadership), thereby highlighting the universal expectation for communal thanksgiving. The verse also acts as a **climax** to the preceding narratives of deliverance, providing the ultimate, desired response to God's repeated acts of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:32 encapsulates the profound theological truth that God's redemptive acts demand a communal and public response of worship. It illustrates that thanksgiving is not merely an individual sentiment but a corporate declaration of God's character and deeds. This public praise serves to magnify God's name, edify the community, and bear witness to His faithfulness to those outside the covenant. The inclusion of elders underscores the importance of leadership in fostering and exemplifying genuine worship, ensuring that the community's spiritual life is guided by wisdom and reverence. This communal expression of gratitude reinforces the covenant relationship, reminding God's people of their dependence on Him and His unwavering commitment to them.
* [Deuteronomy 31:12](/deuteronomy/31-12 "The Purpose of Assembly")
* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Do Not Forsake the Assembly")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:32 offers a timeless blueprint for the nature of corporate worship. It challenges us to move beyond private devotion to actively participate in the communal exaltation of God. When we gather as believers, whether in a formal church service or a smaller fellowship, our collective praise amplifies God's glory and strengthens the bonds of faith within the community. This verse reminds us that our personal testimonies of God's goodness—His deliverance from our "wildernesses," "prisons," "sicknesses," or "storms"—are meant to be shared publicly, not for our own acclaim, but to inspire and encourage others, pointing them to the same faithful God. It also calls leaders to model fervent worship, recognizing their unique role in guiding the congregation into deeper adoration and thanksgiving. In a world increasingly fragmented, the unity in praise envisioned by this psalm serves as a powerful witness to the transforming power of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal worship contribute to or detract from the corporate worship of my community?**
* **In what ways can I, or my community's leaders, more effectively "exalt" and "praise" God publicly for His specific acts of deliverance?**
* **What is the significance of "the assembly of the elders" in this verse, and how does it inform the role of leadership in contemporary worship?**

### FAQ
**Why is public worship so important in this psalm, especially after individual and group deliverances?**

Answer: Public worship in Psalm 107 is crucial because it transforms individual experiences of deliverance into a communal testimony of God's faithfulness and power. While private gratitude is essential, public praise serves several vital functions: it magnifies God's name before His people and the world, reinforces the community's shared identity and covenant relationship with Him, and educates future generations about His enduring goodness. It also provides a collective expression of gratitude that transcends individual limitations, creating a powerful, unified witness to God's "wonderful works to the children of men" ([Psalms 107:8](/psalms/107-8 "Psalms 107:8 - The Recurring Call to Praise")). The repeated refrain throughout the psalm emphasizes that the appropriate response to God's saving acts is not just personal relief, but a public, corporate declaration of His praise.

**Does "congregation of the people" and "assembly of the elders" refer to the same group or different groups?**

Answer: While both phrases refer to the gathered community, they highlight different aspects or segments of it. "The congregation of the people" (קָהָל, *qâhâl*) refers to the general body of Israelites, the entire assembly. "The assembly of the elders" (מוֹשָׁב זְקֵנִים, *môwshâb zâqên*) specifically points to the respected leaders and wise individuals within that congregation. The inclusion of both emphasizes that *all* members of the community, from the general populace to its esteemed leaders, are called to participate in this public exaltation and praise. It signifies a complete, unified participation from every level of society, with leaders setting an example and validating the communal act of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:32, with its call for communal exaltation and praise for God's deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wonderful works" of God, which the psalm celebrates, culminate in the unparalleled deliverance offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection. He is the ultimate deliverer, rescuing humanity from the "wilderness" of sin and separation from God, the "prison" of spiritual bondage, the "sickness" of a fallen nature, and the "storms" of divine judgment. The New Testament church, as the new "congregation of the people" (the *ekklesia*), is called to continue this public exaltation and praise, not merely for past physical deliverances, but for the eternal salvation wrought by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). As the [Head of the Church](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ as Head of the Church"), Christ gathers His people, and through the Holy Spirit, enables them to offer "a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A Sacrifice of Praise")). The "assembly of the elders" foreshadows the New Testament call for spiritual leadership to guide the church in its corporate worship, ensuring that Christ remains central to all praise and thanksgiving, for it is [through Him, and with Him, and in Him](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - All Things From, Through, and To God") that all glory is given to God the Father.

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 22:25

My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

Psalms 22:22

¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

Psalms 99:5

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; [for] he [is] holy.

Psalms 46:10

Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalms 40:9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Psalms 40:10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Isaiah 25:1

¶ O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.