Psalms 107:35

KJV

He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

KJV (with Strong's)

He turneth {H7760} the wilderness {H4057} into a standing {H98} water {H4325}, and dry {H6723} ground {H776} into watersprings {H4325}{H4161}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he also turns desert into pools of water, dry land into flowing springs;

Berean Standard Bible

He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs.

American Standard Version

He turneth a wilderness into a pool of water, And a dry land into watersprings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:35 is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and benevolent transformative power over creation, illustrating His 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 miraculously converted into sources of refreshment and fertility, serving as a 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 grand liturgical psalm of thanksgiving, structured around a repeated 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 - Call to Praise")). The psalm recounts four distinct scenarios of human distress and divine deliverance: travelers lost in the wilderness ([Psalms 107:4-9](/psalms/107-4 "Psalms 107:4-9 - Deliverance from Wandering")), prisoners in darkness ([Psalms 107:10-16](/psalms/107-10 "Psalms 107:10-16 - Deliverance from Captivity")), the sick suffering from sin ([Psalms 107:17-22](/psalms/107-17 "Psalms 107:17-22 - Deliverance from Affliction")), and sailors caught in storms ([Psalms 107:23-32](/psalms/107-23 "Psalms 107:23-32 - Deliverance from Storms")). Psalms 107:35 falls within the concluding section of the psalm ([Psalms 107:33-43](/psalms/107-33 "Psalms 107:33-43 - God's Sovereignty Over Creation and Humanity")), which shifts from specific acts of deliverance to a broader declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over nature and human circumstances. It contrasts God's ability to bring desolation upon fertile lands due to wickedness ([Psalms 107:33-34](/psalms/107-33 "Psalms 107:33-34 - Desolation for Wickedness")) with His power to transform barrenness into abundance for the righteous or repentant ([Psalms 107:35-38](/psalms/107-35 "Psalms 107:35-38 - Transformation for the Righteous")). This section serves as a climactic affirmation of God's justice, mercy, and comprehensive control over all things.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, particularly the land of Israel, was characterized by its arid and semi-arid climate, making water an invaluable and often scarce resource. The contrast between wilderness (מִדְבָּר, _midbar_) and fertile land was stark and deeply understood. A "wilderness" was not merely an unpopulated area but a place of desolation, danger, and lack of sustenance, often associated with divine judgment or testing, as seen in the Israelites' forty years in the [wilderness](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness"). Conversely, "standing water" (אֲגַם־מַיִם, _agam-mayim_) and "watersprings" (מוֹצָאֵי־מַיִם, _motza'ei-mayim_) represented life, prosperity, and divine blessing. Agricultural success and the very survival of communities depended on reliable water sources, making God's control over rain, rivers, and springs a direct manifestation of His power and care. The 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 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 provision for Israel in the [desert](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock"). 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. 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. 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 control over all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, _midbar'_):** This term (מִדְבָּר) typically refers to an uncultivated, sparsely populated, and often arid region, distinct from a fertile pasture or cultivated field. In biblical thought, the _midbar_ is often associated with desolation, danger, testing, and a place where human resources are insufficient, necessitating divine provision. Its transformation into "standing water" signifies a complete reversal of its inherent nature.
* **Standing Water (Hebrew, _agam-mayim'_):** The Hebrew phrase (אֲגַם־מַיִם) denotes a pool, marsh, or pond—a place where water collects and remains, forming a permanent body of water. This is a significant contrast to the transient nature of desert wadis or seasonal rains. It implies a stable, abundant, and life-giving source of refreshment, capable of sustaining life and fostering growth.
* **Watersprings (Hebrew, _motza'ei-mayim'_):** This term (מוֹצָאֵי־מַיִם) refers to outlets or sources of water, specifically springs that emerge from the ground. Unlike collected rainwater, springs represent a continuous, fresh, and often pure source of water, symbolizing new life, vitality, and ongoing provision. The plural form emphasizes multiple, abundant sources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He turneth the wilderness":** This opening clause immediately establishes God (implied "He," referring to the LORD from previous verses) as the active agent of transformation. The "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, _midbar_) represents a state of barrenness, desolation, and lack, a place where life struggles to survive. God's action is depicted as a direct, powerful intervention that fundamentally alters the existing reality of this inhospitable environment.
* **"into a standing water":** This phrase describes the first miraculous outcome of God's intervention. The desolate wilderness is transformed into "standing water" (אֲגַם־מַיִם, _agam-mayim_), a permanent pool or marsh. This signifies not just a temporary presence of water, but a stable, life-sustaining body of water, capable of supporting flora and fauna, and providing refreshment. It represents the reversal of scarcity into abundance, and desolation into a place of vibrant life.
* **"and dry ground":** This second parallel clause reinforces the initial imagery of desolation. "Dry ground" (צִמָּאוֹן, _tzimma'on_) emphasizes parched, thirsty land, mirroring the concept of the wilderness but perhaps focusing more on the soil's inability to support life due to lack of moisture. This parallelism intensifies the contrast and the magnitude of God's transformative power.
* **"into watersprings":** The final clause presents the second miraculous outcome. The parched earth is turned into "watersprings" (מוֹצָאֵי־מַיִם, _motza'ei-mayim_), continuous sources of fresh, flowing water emerging from the ground. This imagery speaks of ongoing, self-renewing provision, not just a static body of water. It signifies a profound and sustained blessing, symbolizing new life, fertility, and an enduring source of vitality where none existed before.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 107:35 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its 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 transformation from desolation to abundance, reinforcing the miraculous nature of God's work. **Antithesis** is also central, as the verse presents stark contrasts between opposing states: "wilderness" versus "standing water," and "dry ground" versus "watersprings." This sharp contrast highlights the radical and supernatural nature of God's intervention, emphasizing that He does not merely improve conditions but fundamentally reverses them. Furthermore, the verse uses 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 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 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.

* [Isaiah 41:18](/isaiah/41-18 "Isaiah 41:18 - God Provides Water in the Wilderness")
* [Isaiah 35:7](/isaiah/35-7 "Isaiah 35:7 - The Parched Ground Becomes a Pool")
* [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple")

### 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 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wilderness" or "dry ground" areas in your life currently feel desolate or beyond hope of transformation?**
* **How does the imagery of "standing water" and "watersprings" speak to your deepest needs for refreshment and provision?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's transformative power, turning a seemingly impossible situation into a source of life?**
* **How can this verse encourage you to pray with greater faith for seemingly barren situations in your community or the world?**

### 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.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: This verse profoundly reveals several 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 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](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Makes a Way in the Wilderness").

**Does "wilderness" only refer to a literal desert?**

Answer: While "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, _midbar_) 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](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness"), 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 is 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](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering spiritual refreshment and new creation where there was once only desolation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His 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](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - River of the Water of Life")).

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 114:8

Which turned the rock [into] a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.

Isaiah 35:6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 35:7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes.

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Isaiah 41:19

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, [and] the pine, and the box tree together:

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Isaiah 44:5

One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.