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Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 33–43
The psalmist, having given God the glory of the providential reliefs granted to persons in distress, here gives him the glory of the revolutions of providence, and the surprising changes it sometimes makes in the affairs of the children of men.
I. He gives some instances of these revolutions.
1.Fruitful countries are made barren and barren countries are made fruitful. Much of the comfort of this life depends upon the soil in which our lot is cast. Now, (1.) The sin of man has often marred the fruitfulness of the soil and made it unserviceable, Psa 107:33, Psa 107:34. Land watered with rivers is sometimes turned into a wilderness, and that which had been full of water-springs now has not so much as water-streams; it is turned into dry and sandy ground, that has not consistency and moisture enough to produce any thing valuable. Many a fruitful land is turned into saltness, not so much from natural causes as from the just judgment of God, who thus punished the wickedness of those that dwell therein; as the vale of Sodom became a salt sea. Note, If the land be bad, it is because the inhabitants are so. Justly is the ground made unfruitful to those that bring not forth fruit unto God, but serve Baal with their corn and wine. (2.) The goodness of God has often mended the barrenness of the soil, and turned a wilderness, a land o drought, into water-springs, Psa 107:35. The land of Canaan, which was once the glory of all lands for fruitfulness, is said to be, at this day, a fruitless, useless, worthless spot of ground, as was foretold, Deu 29:23. This land of ours, which formerly was much of it an uncultivated desert, is now full of all good things, and more abundant honour is given to that part which lacked. Let the plantations in America, and the colonies settled there, compared with the desolations of many countries in Asia and Europe, that formerly were famous, expound this.
2.Necessitous families are raised and enriched, while prosperous families are impoverished and go to decay. If we look broad in the world, (1.) We see many greatly increasing whose beginning was small, and whose ancestors were mean and made no figure, Psa 107:36-38. Those that were hungry are made to dwell in fruitful lands; there they take root, and gain a settlement, and prepare a city for habitation for themselves and theirs after them. Providence puts good land under their hands, and they build upon it. Cities took rise from rising families. But as lands, will not serve for men without lodgings, and therefore they must prepare a city of habitation, so lodgings, though ever so convenient, will not serve without lands, and therefore they must sow the fields, and plant vineyards (Psa 107:37), for the king himself is served of the field. And yet the fields, though favoured with water-springs, will not yield fruits of increase, unless they be sown, nor will vineyards be had, unless they be planted; man's industry must attend God's blessing, and then God's blessing will crown man's industry. The fruitfulness of the soil should engage, for it does encourage, diligence; and, ordinarily, the hand of the diligent, by the blessing of God, makes rich, Psa 107:38. He blesses them also, so that they are, in a little time, multiplied greatly, and he diminishes not their cattle. As in the beginning, so still it is, by the blessing of God, that the earth and all the creatures increase and multiply (Gen 1:22), and we depend upon God for the increase of the cattle as well as for the increase of the ground. Cattle would decrease many ways if God should permit it, and men would soon suffer by it. (2.) We see many that have thus suddenly risen as suddenly sunk and brought to nothing (Psa 107:39): Again they are diminished and brought low by adverse providences, and end their days as low as they began them; or their families after them lose as fast a they got, and scatter what they heaped together. Note, Worldly wealth is an uncertain thing, and often those that are filled with it, ere they are aware, grow so secure and sensual with it that, ere they are aware, they lose it again. Hence it is called deceitful riches and the mammon of unrighteousness. God has many ways of making men poor; he can do it by oppression, affliction, and sorrow, as he tempted Job and brought him low.
3.Those that were high and great in the world are abased, and those that were mean and despicable are advanced to honour, Psa 107:40, Psa 107:41. We have seen, (1.) Princes dethroned and reduced to straits. He pours contempt upon them, even among those that have idolized them. Those that exalt themselves God will abase, and, in order thereunto, will infatuate: He makes them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. He baffles those counsels by which they thought to support themselves, and their own power and pomp, and drives them headlong, so that they know not what course to steer, nor what measures to take. We met with this before, Job 12:24, Job 12:25. (2.) Those of low degree advanced to the posts of honour (Psa 107:41): Yet setteth he the poor on high, raiseth from the dust to the throne of glory, Sa1 2:8; Psa 113:7, Psa 113:8. Those that were afflicted and trampled on are not only delivered, but set on high out of the reach of their troubles, above their enemies, and have dominion over those to whom they had been in subjection. That which adds to their honour, and strengthens them in their elevation, is the multitude of their children: He maketh him families like a flock of sheep, so numerous, so useful, so sociable with one another, and so meek and peaceable. He that sent them meat sent them mouths. Happy is the man that has his quiver filled with arrows, for he shall boldly speak with the enemy in the gate, Psa 127:5. God is to be acknowledged both in setting up families and in building them up. Let not princes be envied, nor the poor despised, for God has many ways of changing the condition of both.
II. He makes some improvement of these remarks; such surprising turns as these are of use, 1. For the solacing of saints. They observe these dispensations with pleasure (Psa 107:42): The righteous shall see it and rejoice in the glorifying of God's attributes and the manifesting of his dominion over the children of men. It is a great comfort to a good man to see how God manages the children of men, as the potter does the clay, so as to serve his own purposes by them, to see despised virtue advanced and impious pride brought low to the dust, to see it evinced beyond dispute that verily there is a God that judges in the earth. 2. For the silencing of sinners: All iniquity shall stop her mouth; it shall be a full conviction of the folly of atheists, and of those that deny the divine providence; and, forasmuch as practical atheism is at the bottom of all sin, it shall in effect stop the mouth of all iniquity. When sinners see how their punishment answers to their sin, and how justly God deals with them in taking away from them those gifts of his which they had abused, they shall not have one word to say for themselves; for God will be justified, he will be clear. 3. For the satisfying of all concerning the divine goodness (Psa 107:43): Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, these various dispensations of divine providence, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Here is, (1.) A desirable end proposed, and that is, rightly to understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. It is of great use to us, in religion, to be fully assured of God's goodness, to be experimentally acquainted and duly affected with it, that his lovingkindness may be before our eyes, Psa 26:3. (2.) A proper means prescribed for attaining this end, and that is a due observance of God's providence. We must lay up these things, mind them, and keep them in mind, Luk 2:19. (3.) A commendation of the use of this means as an instance of true wisdom: Whoso is wise, let him by this both prove his wisdom and improve it. A prudent observance of the providences of God will contribute very much to the accomplishing of a good Christian.
The city near the desert, which Jesus entered when he no longer walked boldly among the Jews, is Ephraim.Now Ephraim means “fruitfulness.” He was the brother of Manasseh, the elder of the people “because of forgetfulness.”
For after the people “because of forgetfulness” have been left behind, the fruitfulness of the Gentiles has come about, when God “turned” the rivers in Israel “into a desert and the sources of the waters” there “into dry ground” and “their fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of those who dwell in it.” But he “turned the desert” from the Gentiles “into pools of waters” and “their dry land into sources of waters.”
“And he has placed there the hungry, and they made a city for their habitation,” the church. There he sowed fields, according to the seed that fell on the beautiful and good ground and produced a hundredfold, and he planted vineyards, for the Lord’s disciples are branches, which also “yielded fruit of produce, and he blessed them and they were multiplied exceedingly.”
"He made the wilderness to be a standing water, and the dry ground to be outgoings of waters" [Psalm 107:35].
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SUMMARY
Psalms 107:35 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and benevolent transformative power over creation, illustrating His miraculous ability to reverse conditions of desolation and barrenness into vibrant, life-sustaining abundance. This verse encapsulates the divine paradox where the most desolate landscapes are supernaturally converted into sources of refreshment and fertility, serving as a powerful testament to God's unfailing provision and His capacity to bring life and hope to seemingly impossible situations for the benefit of His people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 107 is a magnificent liturgical psalm of thanksgiving, characterized by a recurring 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). The psalm masterfully recounts four distinct scenarios of human distress and divine deliverance: wanderers lost in the wilderness (Psalms 107:4-9), prisoners languishing in darkness (Psalms 107:10-16), the sick suffering due to sin (Psalms 107:17-22), and sailors imperiled by storms at sea (Psalms 107:23-32). Psalms 107:35 is situated within the psalm's climactic concluding section (Psalms 107:33-43), which broadens the scope from specific deliverances to a comprehensive declaration of God's absolute dominion over both nature and human circumstances. It powerfully contrasts God's ability to bring desolation upon fertile lands due to wickedness (Psalms 107:33-34) with His power to transform barrenness into abundance for the righteous or repentant (Psalms 107:35-38). This section serves as a profound affirmation of God's justice, mercy, and comprehensive control over all things.
Historical & Cultural Context: The ancient Near East, particularly the arid and semi-arid land of Israel, rendered water an invaluable and often scarce resource. The stark contrast between "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) and fertile, well-watered land was deeply ingrained in the cultural consciousness. A "wilderness" was not merely an unpopulated area but a place of desolation, danger, and severe lack of sustenance, frequently associated with divine judgment or periods of testing, as exemplified by the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness. Conversely, "standing water" (אֲגַם־מַיִם, agam-mayim) and "watersprings" (מוֹצָאֵי־מַיִם, motza'ei-mayim) represented life, prosperity, and divine blessing. The very survival of communities and the success of agricultural endeavors depended entirely on reliable water sources, making God's control over rain, rivers, and springs a direct and tangible manifestation of His power and providential care. The vivid imagery in Psalms 107:35 would have resonated profoundly with an audience whose daily existence was intimately tied to the availability of water, underscoring God's miraculous and life-sustaining intervention in their physical world.
Key Themes: Psalms 107:35 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Providence and Provision, emphasizing God's unique and miraculous ability to supply life-sustaining resources even in the most desolate and unlikely places. This underscores His role as the ultimate Sustainer of life, echoing His miraculous provision for Israel in the desert. Secondly, the verse highlights Radical Transformation, showcasing God's power to completely alter circumstances from one extreme to another—from barrenness to fruitfulness, scarcity to abundance. This is not mere improvement but a fundamental, supernatural reversal of conditions. Thirdly, it offers profound Hope in Desolation, providing comfort and encouragement for those experiencing "wilderness" or "dry ground" in their lives, whether literally or figuratively. It assures believers that God can intervene to bring refreshing renewal and new life even in the most desperate situations. Finally, it strongly affirms Sovereignty Over Nature, demonstrating God's absolute dominion over the physical world and His ability to manipulate natural elements to achieve His divine will, showcasing His unparalleled power and comprehensive control over all creation, as seen throughout Psalm 107.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 107:35 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of divine power and provision. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically Synonymous Parallelism, where the second half of the verse ("and dry ground into watersprings") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first half ("He turneth the wilderness into a standing water"). Both clauses express the same core idea of radical transformation from desolation to abundance, reinforcing the miraculous and comprehensive nature of God's work. Antithesis is also central to the verse's impact, as it presents stark contrasts between opposing states: "wilderness" versus "standing water," and "dry ground" versus "watersprings." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the supernatural and radical nature of God's intervention, emphasizing that He does not merely improve conditions but fundamentally reverses them. Furthermore, the verse utilizes potent Imagery drawn from the natural world—the parched desert, stagnant pools, and gushing springs—to evoke a visceral sense of the transformation. This imagery is highly Symbolic, with the "wilderness" and "dry ground" representing states of spiritual or existential barrenness, while "standing water" and "watersprings" symbolize divine refreshment, new life, and abundant provision. The concise and declarative statement also gives the verse an Authoritative Tone, underscoring the certainty and irresistible power of God's actions.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of Psalms 107:35 lies in its profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His benevolent disposition towards humanity. It asserts that the Creator is not bound by natural limitations but can supernaturally intervene to bring life and order out of chaos and desolation. This verse underscores the biblical theme of divine provision, portraying God as the ultimate source of all sustenance, capable of meeting needs in the most impossible circumstances. It also speaks powerfully to God's redemptive power, suggesting that just as He transforms the physical landscape, He can also transform human lives and situations from barrenness to fruitfulness, from despair to hope. This divine capacity for radical transformation is a cornerstone of biblical theology, affirming God's ability to restore, renew, and bring forth life where there was only death or dryness, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:35 offers a profound source of hope and encouragement for believers navigating the "wilderness" experiences of life. Just as God demonstrates His omnipotence by transforming literal deserts into flourishing oases, so too can He intervene in our personal seasons of spiritual dryness, emotional barrenness, financial scarcity, or relational desolation. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's transformative power, reminding us that no situation is beyond His capacity to redeem and renew. When we feel parched and depleted, this verse invites us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the God who is the ultimate source of life and refreshment. It challenges us to surrender our seemingly impossible situations to Him, believing that He can bring forth springs of living water where we only see dry ground. The application extends to our prayers, encouraging us to pray with bold faith for divine intervention in areas of our lives and communities that seem barren or hopeless, trusting in God's promise to provide and restore. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by our perception of reality, but rather, His reality can radically redefine ours.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the primary message of Psalms 107:35?
Answer: The primary message of Psalms 107:35 is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and benevolent power to transform seemingly impossible, desolate situations into places of abundant life and provision. It highlights His ability to reverse natural conditions, turning barrenness into fertility, and scarcity into overflowing resources, demonstrating His unfailing care for His creation and His people. It underscores that God is not limited by human circumstances or natural laws, but actively intervenes to bring about renewal and flourishing.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
Answer: This verse profoundly reveals several majestic aspects of God's character. It showcases His omnipotence and sovereignty, demonstrating His complete control over the natural world and His ability to manipulate it according to His divine will. It emphasizes His benevolence and providence, as He transforms desolate places for the benefit and sustenance of His people, fulfilling His promises of care and provision. It also speaks to His redemptive power, illustrating His capacity to bring life and hope where there was only death and despair, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative of salvation and restoration, such as in Isaiah 43:19.
Does "wilderness" only refer to a literal desert?
Answer: While "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbâr) literally refers to a desolate, arid region, in biblical and spiritual contexts, it often carries a broader symbolic meaning. It can represent any period or state of life characterized by hardship, scarcity, spiritual dryness, emotional barrenness, isolation, or a sense of being lost and without resources. Just as God literally provided for the Israelites in the wilderness during their exodus, this verse assures us that He can bring refreshment and provision to any "wilderness" experience we encounter, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The transformation from "dry ground" to "watersprings" applies metaphorically to all areas of life where renewal and divine intervention are desperately needed.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:35 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the living embodiment of God's transformative power and ultimate provision. Just as God turned literal wilderness into standing water and dry ground into watersprings, Jesus Christ transforms the spiritual wilderness of humanity into a wellspring of eternal life. Humanity, apart from Christ, is like "dry ground," parched by sin and spiritual death, unable to produce true life or righteousness. However, Jesus declares, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37-38). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering spiritual refreshment and new creation where there was once only desolation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ provides the "watersprings" of salvation, grace, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, transforming barren hearts into fertile ground for God's kingdom. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bring life and abundance to the desolate, making a way in the spiritual wilderness and providing an everlasting source of living water for all who believe (Revelation 22:1).