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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.”
"And He caused the hungry to dwell there" [Psalm 107:36]. Because to Him it was said, "You are a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedec." For you seek a sacrifice among the Jews; you have none after the order of Aaron. You seek it after the order of Melchizedec; you find it not among them, but through the whole world it is celebrated in the Church. "From the rising of the sun to the setting thereof the name of the Lord is praised."
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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).
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), 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 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). 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). 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), 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.