Psalms 107:36

KJV

And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

KJV (with Strong's)

And there he maketh the hungry {H7457} to dwell {H3427}, that they may prepare {H3559} a city {H5892} for habitation {H4186};

Complete Jewish Bible

there he gives the hungry a home, and they build a city to live in;

Berean Standard Bible

He causes the hungry to settle there, that they may establish a city in which to dwell.

American Standard Version

And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, That they may prepare a city of habitation,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:36 powerfully portrays God's compassionate and transformative intervention in the lives of the most vulnerable. It depicts a divine act where the famished and displaced are not merely sustained but are actively settled in a new environment, empowered to establish a stable, thriving, and communal existence. This verse encapsulates God's character as a faithful and sovereign provider who brings profound order out of chaos, transforming barrenness into flourishing habitation through His enduring grace and redemptive purpose for humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 107 functions as a grand communal song of thanksgiving, structured around four distinct scenarios of human distress and subsequent divine deliverance (vv. 4-9, 10-16, 17-22, 23-32). Each segment culminates in a fervent call to praise God for His steadfast love and wondrous works. Verse 36 is situated within the psalm's concluding section (vv. 33-43), which broadens the scope from specific human predicaments to God's overarching sovereignty over both nature and human societies. This section vividly contrasts God's ability to turn fertile land into a wilderness due to human wickedness ([Psalm 107:34](/psalms/107-34 "Psalm 107:34 - God's Judgment on Wickedness")) with His power to transform a wilderness into a fruitful land, making springs of water gush forth ([Psalm 107:35](/psalms/107-35 "Psalm 107:35 - God Transforms the Wilderness")). In this context, verse 36 serves as the positive culmination of God's restorative work, illustrating the human beneficiaries of such divine intervention: the desolate are not only fed but are enabled to build a new, stable, and communal existence, demonstrating the practical outcome of God's redemptive power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely draws from the collective experiences of Israel, particularly those who endured periods of exile, displacement, and subsequent return and rebuilding, though its themes resonate universally. In the ancient Near East, the term "hungry" (רעבים, *re'evim*) often signified not merely a lack of food but a comprehensive state of destitution, homelessness, and extreme vulnerability, frequently resulting from war, famine, or political upheaval. The concept of "preparing a city for habitation" carried profound significance. Cities were the nexus of security, stability, community, and the re-establishment of social, economic, and religious life. For a people who might have experienced the traumatic destruction of their cities and the loss of their homeland (e.g., the Babylonian exile), being settled and empowered to build anew was the ultimate sign of divine favor and restoration. It signified a return to *shalom*—a state of holistic peace, wholeness, and flourishing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Psalms 107 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Reversal**, showcasing God's absolute power to transform circumstances, whether turning a fruitful land into a wasteland or, conversely, a desolate wilderness into a place of flourishing habitation. This demonstrates His ultimate control over both judgment and redemption. Secondly, it highlights **God's Compassionate Provision and Restoration**, emphasizing His active and tender care for the most vulnerable—"the hungry." He provides not just temporary relief but a permanent dwelling, signifying complete restoration from destitution to security and purpose. This echoes God's character as a faithful provider throughout Scripture, from His miraculous care for Israel in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")) to Jesus' compassionate feeding of the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). Thirdly, the verse powerfully conveys **Empowerment and Community Building**. Crucially, God "maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may *prepare a city*." This is not merely passive reception of aid but active participation in their own restoration. The formerly helpless are empowered to build a stable community, fostering a profound sense of ownership, dignity, and belonging, reflecting God's desire for His people to thrive collectively, as seen in the rebuilding efforts after the Babylonian exile ([Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hungry (Hebrew, _râʻêb'_ H7457):** This term (H7457, _râʻêb_), derived from the root meaning to be famished, describes those in a state of deep hunger or destitution. It emphasizes a profound and often prolonged lack, denoting a condition of extreme vulnerability and need that extends beyond mere physical craving to encompass social and existential marginalization in the ancient world. The use of this term highlights the extreme state from which God delivers them.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_ H3427):** This primitive root (H3427, _yâshab_) signifies the act of sitting down, abiding, or remaining. In its Hiphil (causative) form, as used here ("maketh... to dwell"), it highlights God's active, intentional, and powerful role in settling individuals. It signifies His direct initiative in bringing displaced and vulnerable people to a place of rest, stability, and permanent habitation, reversing their state of transience.
* **prepare (Hebrew, _kûwn'_ H3559):** This primitive root (H3559, _kûwn_) fundamentally means "to be erect" or "to be firm." In its causative sense, as implied by "they may prepare," it denotes the act of establishing, fixing, making ready, or setting up. Here, it speaks to the purposeful and constructive activity of building and organizing a community, signifying the establishment of order, stability, and the necessary infrastructure for flourishing, moving beyond mere survival to a state of collective well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there he maketh the hungry to dwell":** This clause highlights God's direct and compassionate intervention. "There" refers to the transformed wilderness mentioned in the preceding verse, a place made fertile and habitable by divine action. God actively settles the "hungry," those who were previously destitute, displaced, and vulnerable. This act signifies divine provision that extends beyond mere food, encompassing security, stability, and a profound sense of belonging, thereby reversing their prior state of utter vulnerability.
* **"that they may prepare a city for habitation;":** This clause reveals the profound purpose and empowering outcome of God's intervention. The conjunction "that" (ו) introduces a result or purpose clause, indicating God settles them *so that* they can engage in a constructive, dignifying activity: building a city. This is not just about individual survival but about establishing a collective, permanent, and ordered community. "For habitation" emphasizes the long-term, stable nature of this new dwelling place, transforming a transient or precarious existence into one of rooted belonging and collective flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. **Contrast** is central, building upon the psalm's broader theme of God's power to reverse fortunes. Here, the contrast is between the prior state of the "hungry" (destitute, displaced, vulnerable) and their new reality of building a "city for habitation" (secure, stable, communal). This highlights the dramatic and redemptive reversal God brings about. **Symbolism** is also profoundly evident, with "a city for habitation" serving as a powerful symbol of order, security, community, civilization, and flourishing, standing in stark opposition to the chaos and desolation of the wilderness from which they came. It represents the establishment of a complete and stable life. Furthermore, there is a significant interplay of **Divine Agency and Human Partnership**. While God "maketh... to dwell," emphasizing His sovereign initiative and power, the subsequent phrase "that they may prepare a city" underscores the empowered human agency. This demonstrates that God's provision often involves enabling and equipping His people to participate actively in their own restoration and the building of His kingdom, rather than merely making them passive recipients.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:36 resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of God's character as a compassionate provider and restorer, particularly for the marginalized and downtrodden. It illustrates His *hesed* (steadfast love and covenant faithfulness) in action, demonstrating that His care extends beyond immediate needs to establishing lasting security and purpose. This verse speaks to God's redemptive work, not just in individual lives but in the formation and restoration of communities. It affirms that God is not content with merely alleviating suffering; He desires to bring His people into a state of flourishing and stability, enabling them to build lives of dignity and collective well-being. This reflects a holistic understanding of salvation that encompasses physical, social, and spiritual restoration, ultimately pointing to God's desire for His creation to thrive under His benevolent and sovereign rule.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Sojourner and Orphan")
* [Isaiah 58:6-12](/isaiah/58-6-12 "Isaiah 58:6-12 - The True Fast and Restoration")
* [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Early Church's Communal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:36 offers a profound message of hope and a powerful call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the lives of the needy, capable of orchestrating dramatic transformations from hardship to flourishing. For those who feel "hungry" or desolate in any aspect of life—physically, emotionally, spiritually, or relationally—this verse offers immense encouragement that God can bring stability, purpose, and a new "habitation." It challenges us to trust in His sovereign provision, even when circumstances seem barren or overwhelming. Beyond personal application, the verse compels us to embody God's restorative heart in our communities. True compassion, as modeled here, extends beyond mere charity; it involves empowering individuals and communities to rebuild, to "prepare a city" for themselves. This means investing in sustainable solutions, fostering dignity, and creating opportunities for the vulnerable to participate actively in their own restoration and contribute to the common good. It calls the church, as God's people, to be a beacon of hope, actively engaged in social justice and community development, reflecting God's desire for holistic *shalom* for all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "hungry" or desolate, and how can you trust God to bring stability and purpose to those areas, enabling you to "dwell" securely?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of helping the needy, moving beyond temporary relief to empowering long-term community building and flourishing?**
* **What practical steps can you or your community of faith take to help others "prepare a city for habitation," fostering dignity, ownership, and sustainable well-being?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "preparing a city" rather than just providing food?**

Answer: The phrase "preparing a city for habitation" signifies a profound and holistic transformation that goes far beyond mere immediate relief. While providing food addresses physical hunger, enabling the "hungry" to build a city speaks to God's desire for complete restoration, dignity, and long-term stability. A city represents security, community, order, and a place where life can thrive sustainably. It implies the re-establishment of social structures, economic activity, and a sense of belonging. This act of "preparing" also highlights human agency and empowerment; God doesn't just do everything *for* them, but He enables and equips them to actively participate in building their new life and community. It's about moving from survival to flourishing, from displacement to rootedness, reflecting God's comprehensive care for His people's well-being, as seen in His plans for Israel to settle and build in the Promised Land ([Deuteronomy 6:10-11](/deuteronomy/6-10-11 "Deuteronomy 6:10-11 - God's Provision in the Promised Land")).

**Does this verse imply that all suffering or hunger is a result of sin?**

Answer: While Psalm 107 does mention that some distress is a consequence of rebellion against God's word (e.g., [Psalm 107:17](/psalms/107-17 "Psalm 107:17 - Fools Suffer for Their Transgression")), verse 36 itself focuses on God's compassionate response to the "hungry" without explicitly linking their hunger to their sin. The psalm's broader message is that God delivers those who cry out to Him, regardless of the specific cause of their distress. In the context of verses 33-35, God's sovereignty over the land is highlighted, showing He can bring desolation or flourishing. Verse 36 then demonstrates His grace in transforming the condition of the needy. Therefore, while sin can certainly lead to suffering, this verse primarily emphasizes God's character as a merciful provider who brings restoration to the vulnerable, irrespective of the specific origins of their hunger or displacement. It's a testament to His unmerited favor and redemptive power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:36 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the divine provider and restorer in every sense. He is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger, offering eternal sustenance to all who come to Him. Just as God settled the physically hungry in a land where they could build, Christ gathers those who are spiritually destitute, lost, and displaced by sin, bringing them into His kingdom. He doesn't just offer temporary relief but grants eternal life and a secure dwelling in Him. Jesus' earthly ministry was marked by His profound compassion for the physically hungry and marginalized, as seen in His miraculous feedings of the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). More significantly, He empowers His followers, the Church, to be a new "city for habitation"—a spiritual community built on His foundational truth and the apostles and prophets ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ makes it possible for us to dwell securely with God, transforming our spiritual wilderness into a place of abundant life and purpose. Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the glorious reality of the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), the eternal "city for habitation" where God dwells perfectly with His redeemed people, and there is no more hunger, sorrow, or desolation, only perfect provision and everlasting peace.

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 107:7

And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Luke 1:53

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

Psalms 146:7

Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

Acts 17:26

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;