TRV
Study This Verse
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 they sowed fields, and planted vineyards, and gat fruit of grain" [Psalm 107:37]: at which that workman rejoices, who says, "Not because I desire a gift, but I seek fruit." [Philippians 4:17]
Continue studying Psalms 107:37 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 107:37 vividly portrays God's transformative power, depicting the restoration of His people from conditions of desolation and wandering to a settled, productive, and prosperous life. This verse highlights divine provision and blessing, enabling those who were once destitute to engage in diligent labor, specifically cultivating fields and planting vineyards, which then yield abundant "fruits of increase," signifying a return to stability, self-sufficiency, and flourishing under God's gracious hand.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 107:37 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine restoration and provision. Imagery is central, painting a vivid picture of productive agricultural life ("sow the fields," "plant vineyards," "fruits of increase"), which stands in stark contrast to the earlier descriptions of barrenness, hunger, and wandering found in the psalm (e.g., the desolation in Psalms 107:4). This contrast highlights the dramatic transformation wrought by God's intervention. The phrase "fruits of increase" functions as a form of amplification or hyperbole, suggesting not just a yield, but an abundant and generous return, emphasizing the overflowing nature of God's blessing. Furthermore, the agricultural activities themselves serve as metonymy or synecdoche, representing the broader concept of a settled, prosperous, and divinely blessed existence, where human effort is met with divine favor and leads to comprehensive flourishing.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological heart of Psalms 107:37 lies in God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign power to reverse human fortunes, bringing flourishing out of desolation. It illustrates that divine restoration is not merely about rescuing people from distress, but also about re-establishing them in a place of productivity and abundance. This verse affirms God's active involvement in the material well-being of His people, blessing their diligent labor and ensuring that their efforts bear fruit. It speaks to a holistic salvation that encompasses physical security and provision, reflecting God's desire for His people to live full and fruitful lives in partnership with Him, demonstrating His goodness and reliability.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 107:37 offers profound encouragement and a powerful framework for understanding God's work in our lives today. It reminds us that even after periods of deep distress, wandering, or spiritual barrenness, God is faithful to bring us into seasons of fruitfulness and stability. This verse calls us to embrace a posture of hopeful diligence, recognizing that while God provides the opportunity and the blessing, He also invites us to actively participate in the work He sets before us. Whether in our vocations, our ministries, or our personal growth, we are called to "sow fields and plant vineyards"—to invest our time, energy, and talents—trusting that God will provide the necessary "increase." It encourages us to persevere through challenging seasons, knowing that God's restorative power can turn any wilderness into a fertile ground for growth and abundance, both materially and spiritually. Our diligent efforts, when offered to Him, are never in vain but can be supernaturally blessed to yield significant fruit for His glory and for the good of His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "fruits of increase" mean for believers today, beyond literal agriculture?
Answer: For contemporary believers, "fruits of increase" extends beyond a literal agricultural harvest to encompass any form of productive outcome or flourishing that results from our diligent efforts blessed by God. Spiritually, it refers to the spiritual fruit cultivated in our lives through abiding in Christ, as described in John 15:5, which includes characteristics like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. In our vocations and ministries, it signifies success, growth, impact, or provision that goes beyond what our human effort alone could achieve. It speaks to God's supernatural blessing on our work, ensuring that our labor in His kingdom is not in vain but yields significant and abundant returns for His glory and our good.
Does this verse promise material prosperity to all who follow God?
Answer: While Psalm 107:37 speaks of material provision and flourishing, it is crucial to interpret it within the broader biblical context and avoid a simplistic "prosperity gospel" understanding. The psalm emphasizes God's restorative power and faithfulness to bring order and stability out of chaos, often through human partnership and diligent effort. It highlights God's ability to provide for His people's needs and enable them to live productive lives, especially after periods of hardship or displacement. It speaks to a general principle of God's blessing on obedience and diligence, but it does not guarantee specific levels of wealth or material abundance for every individual in every circumstance. God's ultimate provision is often spiritual and eternal, and His plans for individuals may involve seasons of both abundance and scarcity, all for His greater purposes, as affirmed in Philippians 4:19. The focus is on faithful provision for life and mission, not necessarily riches.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:37 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true source of all restoration, life, and fruitfulness. The psalm describes God's power to turn a wilderness into a fertile land, enabling His people to "sow the fields and plant vineyards" and enjoy "fruits of increase." In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself to be the true vine, and His followers are the branches. It is only by abiding in Him that we can "bear much fruit," fruit that is not merely material but primarily spiritual, embodying the character of God's Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. He is the one who delivers us from the spiritual wilderness of sin and death, bringing us into a new creation where we are enabled to "sow" seeds of righteousness and "plant" the gospel, trusting in His power for the "increase." Just as Paul understood that "neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6), so too our spiritual fruitfulness comes from Christ. Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the ultimate restoration, transforming barren hearts into fertile ground for God's kingdom, ensuring that our labor in Him is never in vain and will yield an eternal harvest, providing the abundant life He promised.