Psalms 107:34

Commentary on Psalms 107:34 KJV

Psalms 107:34 states, "A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein." This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and His justice in response to human sin.

Context

Psalms 107 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring mercy and deliverance for various groups of people who cried out to Him in distress: wanderers, prisoners, the sick, and those in storms at sea. After recounting these specific examples of divine rescue, the psalm shifts in verses 33-43 to describe God's broader sovereignty over nature and nations. He is shown as the One who can turn rivers into a wilderness and a fruitful land into barrenness (as in verse 34), but also conversely, make the wilderness a pool of water and dry land springs of water (verse 35). This section emphasizes that God's actions are not arbitrary but are often a direct consequence of the moral state of a people, particularly their "wickedness." The psalm concludes with a call for the wise to observe and understand these works of the Lord, recognizing His lovingkindness (Psalms 107:43).

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment: The verse highlights God's role as a righteous judge who brings consequences upon those who persist in wickedness. The transformation of a fertile land into barrenness is a visible sign of His displeasure and judgment.
• Consequences of Sin: It underscores the profound impact of human sin, not only on individuals but also on the environment and society as a whole. The land itself is shown to suffer under the weight of human depravity, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament. This concept is vividly portrayed in passages detailing the curses for disobedience, where the heavens become brass and the earth iron.
• God's Sovereignty: The ability to alter the very nature of the land, from fertile to barren, demonstrates God's absolute power and control over all creation. He is not merely an observer but an active participant in the affairs of humanity and the natural world.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fruitful land into barrenness" translates the Hebrew "אֶרֶץ פְּרִי לִמְלֵחָה" (eretz pĕrî limlēḥāh). "Eretz pĕrî" means "land of fruit" or "fruitful land." The crucial term is "limlēḥāh" (into barrenness), derived from "melēḥāh," which literally means "saltiness" or "a salt land." A salt land is inherently unproductive and desolate, emphasizing the severity and completeness of the transformation from fertility to utter desolation. The "wickedness" is from the Hebrew "רָעַת" (ra'at), meaning evil, badness, or mischief, indicating moral corruption and rebellion against God's ways.

Practical Application

Psalms 107:34 serves as a timeless warning and a profound reminder of several truths:

• Accountability: It calls individuals and nations to account for their moral choices. Persistent wickedness invites divine judgment and can lead to societal and even environmental decay. This principle is echoed in Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
• Moral Responsibility: While the direct correlation between specific sins and natural disasters may not always be clear in modern times, the underlying principle remains: a society's moral health can have tangible consequences. Cultivating righteousness, justice, and compassion contributes to flourishing, whereas corruption and injustice can lead to decline.
• God's Justice and Mercy: Even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is often to call people to repentance and restore them. Understanding His power to bring desolation also highlights His power to bring blessing and restoration when people turn to Him.