Psalms 107:40

KJV

He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.

KJV (with Strong's)

He poureth {H8210} contempt {H937} upon princes {H5081}, and causeth them to wander {H8582} in the wilderness {H8414}, where there is no way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he pours contempt on princes and leaves them to wander in trackless wastes.

Berean Standard Bible

He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland.

American Standard Version

He poureth contempt upon princes, And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:40 powerfully declares God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly authority, particularly human rulers and systems of power. It portrays the Lord as actively humbling the proud and bringing judgment upon those who abuse their positions, causing them to lose direction and purpose as if wandering in a desolate wilderness without guidance. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of human power and the ultimate, righteous governance of the Almighty, fitting within the psalm's broader celebration of God's steadfast love and delivering hand in the affairs of humanity and nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 107 is a wisdom psalm and a communal song of thanksgiving, often categorized as a "Great Hallel" psalm. It begins with a universal call to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring mercy (`hesed`). The psalm then details four specific scenarios of distress and God's subsequent deliverance: those lost in the wilderness (vv. 4-9), prisoners in darkness (vv. 10-16), the sick afflicted by sin (vv. 17-22), and sailors facing storms at sea (vv. 23-32). Each section follows a pattern: distress, crying out to God, God's deliverance, and a call to praise. Verses 33-43 shift focus to God's sovereign control over the natural world and human societies, demonstrating His ability to transform landscapes (fertile land to wilderness and vice versa) and to elevate or abase nations and their leaders. Verse 40, depicting God's judgment on princes, stands in stark contrast to verse 41, which immediately follows it, declaring that "[He setteth the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock](/psalms/107-41 "Psalms 107:41 - God Lifts the Needy")." This juxtaposition highlights God's righteous justice, which humbles the proud while exalting the humble and needy. The psalm concludes with a call for the wise to consider God's steadfast love, emphasizing the practical implications of His sovereign rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings and rulers often claimed divine authority or were considered representatives of the gods. Their power was perceived as absolute, and their decrees unquestionable. However, Israel's understanding of kingship, as revealed in the Old Testament, was unique: even kings were subject to Yahweh, the one true God. Prophets frequently challenged royal authority, reminding kings of their accountability to God's covenant and law. The "wilderness" (Hebrew: _midbar_) holds significant cultural and historical weight for Israel. It was the setting for their forty years of wandering after the Exodus, a period of divine judgment due to disobedience, but also a crucible for learning dependence on God. To be "caused to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way" would evoke profound fear and a sense of utter helplessness, recalling the nation's most vulnerable period. This imagery would resonate deeply with an audience familiar with the historical narratives of God's judgment upon proud rulers (e.g., Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar) and His consistent care for His people, even in desolation.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 107:40 contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate authority over all creation, including human governments and leaders. No earthly power is beyond His reach or judgment, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") where God "removes kings and sets up kings." Closely related is the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, particularly against pride and oppression. God's act of pouring contempt and causing wandering is a judicial act, demonstrating His righteous character and His active involvement in bringing accountability to those who abuse their power. This aligns with the principle that [God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Reversal of Fortunes**, a recurring motif in Scripture where God brings down the high and lifts up the low. This is explicitly seen in the contrast with [Psalms 107:41](/psalms/107-41 "Psalms 107:41 - God Lifts the Needy"), where the needy are exalted, underscoring God's compassionate care for the vulnerable and His commitment to establishing a just order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Contempt (Hebrew, _būwz'_):** This term (H937) denotes disrespect, scorn, or utter humiliation. When God "pours" contempt, it signifies an overwhelming, public, and inescapable act of disgrace. It's not merely a private feeling but a divine action that strips away the dignity, honor, and perceived authority of the princes, exposing their powerlessness and folly before all. This is a profound reversal of their exalted status, rendering them despised and shamed.
* **Princes (Hebrew, _nâdîyb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "willing" or "noble," this word (H5081) refers to those of high birth, generous spirit, or elevated social standing—typically rulers, nobles, or influential leaders. The use of _nâdîyb_ here emphasizes that even the most esteemed and powerful individuals, those who might consider themselves above reproach or consequence, are subject to God's sovereign judgment. Their nobility and perceived strength are rendered meaningless in the face of divine action.
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, _tôhûw'_):** More than just a barren geographical location, the _tôhûw_ (H8414) in biblical thought is a powerful symbol. It represents a place of desolation, confusion, emptiness, and vulnerability. It is where one is exposed, without resources or direction, a "place of nought" or vanity. For God to cause princes to wander in the wilderness is to strip them of their security, their plans, their purpose, and their very identity, reducing them to a state of utter disorientation and helplessness, much like the Israelites experienced during their judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He poureth contempt upon princes":** This clause vividly portrays God's active and deliberate judgment. The imagery of "pouring" (from H8210, _shâphak'_) suggests an abundant, overwhelming, and irresistible act of divine scorn. It is a public humiliation, a stripping away of the honor, dignity, and perceived invincibility of those in power. God does not merely allow them to fall; He actively orchestrates their disgrace, demonstrating that their authority is ultimately derived from and subject to Him, and can be revoked at His will. This act serves to dismantle their pride and expose their ultimate impotence before the Creator.
* **"and causeth them to wander in the wilderness":** Following the public humiliation, God inflicts a state of disorientation and loss of purpose. To "wander" (from H8582, _tâʻâh'_) implies aimlessness, a lack of direction, and a loss of control over one's destiny, as if led astray. The "wilderness" here is a metaphor for a chaotic, insecure, and desolate existence. It signifies a removal from their positions of power and influence into a state of vulnerability and exposure, where their former resources and schemes are useless. This is a profound reversal of their previous ordered and powerful lives.
* **"[where there is] no way":** This final phrase intensifies the imagery of disorientation and hopelessness. The word for "way" (H1870, _derek'_) refers to a road or path, but also figuratively to a course of life or mode of action. Its negation emphasizes the utter lack of escape, guidance, or solution for those under God's judgment. There is no path out of their predicament, no clear direction, no hope of finding their way back to their former status or purpose through their own strength or wisdom. This underscores the completeness of God's judgment and the inescapable nature of His sovereign will when He chooses to humble the proud.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 107:40 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The central device is **Imagery**, particularly the vivid pictures of God "pouring contempt" and causing princes to "wander in the wilderness." "Pouring" suggests an overwhelming, deliberate, and inescapable act of divine judgment, while the "wilderness" evokes desolation, disorientation, and vulnerability. This wilderness is further amplified by **Metaphor**, where the physical wilderness serves as a symbolic representation of a state of spiritual and existential lostness, a lack of purpose or direction that results from divine judgment. The phrase "[where there is] no way" functions as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and inescapable nature of this disorientation, suggesting an utter lack of recourse or escape. There is also an implied **Antithesis** when read in context with the following verse (v. 41), where God elevates the needy, contrasting His actions towards the proud with His compassion for the humble. Finally, the verse utilizes **Divine Anthropomorphism** by attributing human-like actions (pouring, causing to wander) to God, making His sovereign intervention more relatable and impactful, while maintaining His transcendent power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:40 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores the biblical truth that no human authority, regardless of its perceived might or influence, operates outside the purview or ultimate control of the Almighty. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that pride and abuse of power will inevitably face divine reckoning, often manifesting as a stripping away of dignity, purpose, and stability. It affirms that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in the affairs of nations, orchestrating the rise and fall of leaders according to His righteous will. For the oppressed, it offers hope and assurance that their cries for justice are heard, and that the scales of divine justice will ultimately balance.

* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer of Reversal")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23-24 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")
* [Daniel 4:32](/daniel/4-32 "Daniel 4:32 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:40 offers profound insights for both leaders and ordinary individuals in every generation. For those in positions of authority, it serves as a sobering warning against pride, self-exaltation, and the abuse of power. It reminds them that their authority is delegated by God and that they are ultimately accountable to Him. True leadership, therefore, must be characterized by humility, justice, and a recognition of divine oversight, rather than by arrogance or self-sufficiency. For those who feel marginalized, oppressed, or disheartened by the apparent unchecked power of earthly rulers, this verse provides immense comfort and hope. It reassures us that God is actively involved in the course of human history, that He sees injustice, and that He will ultimately bring down those who exalt themselves. Our trust should not be placed in human systems or leaders, but in the sovereign God who alone has the power to humble the proud and lift up the lowly. This calls us to prayer for our leaders, to advocate for justice, and to patiently trust in God's perfect timing and righteous plan, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of power, whether in my personal life, community, or national leadership?**
* **In what ways might I, or those around me, be prone to the kind of pride that God resists?**
* **How does knowing God "pours contempt upon princes" impact my prayers for leaders and for justice in the world?**
* **What comfort or challenge does this verse offer when I feel overwhelmed by seemingly unchallengeable earthly powers?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that God always immediately punishes wicked leaders?**

Answer: While Psalms 107:40 declares God's ultimate power to humble rulers, it does not necessarily imply immediate or visible punishment in every instance. God's timing is often mysterious and extends beyond human comprehension. Throughout biblical history, there are examples of both swift judgment (e.g., Pharaoh in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")) and prolonged periods where wicked rulers seem to prosper (e.g., many kings of Israel and Judah, or the empires described in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts")). The verse emphasizes God's *ability* and *right* to act, and His *eventual* justice, rather than a fixed timeline for every specific case. It assures us that no one is beyond His reach, and that ultimate accountability rests with Him, whether in this life or the next.

**How does this verse, which speaks of judgment, align with God's character of love and mercy?**

Answer: Psalms 107:40, while a declaration of judgment, is not contrary to God's love and mercy; rather, it is an expression of His holistic righteousness and justice. God's love (Hebrew: _hesed_) is steadfast, but it is not a love that tolerates unchecked evil or oppression indefinitely. His justice ensures that the proud are humbled and that the vulnerable are ultimately vindicated, as seen in the very next verse, [Psalms 107:41](/psalms/107-41 "Psalms 107:41 - God Lifts the Needy"), where God "setteth the poor on high from affliction." God's judgment on the proud is often an act of mercy towards those they oppress. It demonstrates His commitment to moral order and His active involvement in setting things right in a fallen world. This divine intervention ultimately serves to protect His people and uphold His righteous standard, reflecting His perfect character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:40, with its declaration of God's sovereign power to humble proud princes, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While earthly rulers may wield temporary power, Christ is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose dominion is eternal and absolute. He is the one before whom [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), whether of those who willingly submit or those who are compelled to acknowledge His supreme authority. Paradoxically, Christ Himself, though divine, chose to humble Himself, taking on the form of a servant and enduring the ultimate contempt of human rulers, even to the point of death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation"). Yet, through His resurrection, God exalted Him to the highest place, demonstrating that true power is found not in earthly dominion but in righteous humility and sacrificial love. Christ's first coming saw Him as the humble Lamb, but His second coming will reveal Him as the Lion of Judah, who will indeed "pour contempt" upon all who have opposed God and His righteous rule, causing the unrighteous to wander in eternal separation, where there is truly "no way" out, as Jesus Himself warns in [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire for the Wicked"). Thus, Psalms 107:40 foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over all earthly and spiritual powers, establishing His perfect and eternal kingdom where justice reigns and the humble are exalted.

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

Job 12:24

He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness [where there is] no way.

Job 12:21

He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.

Daniel 4:33

The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' [feathers], and his nails like birds' [claws].

Isaiah 23:8

Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning [city], whose merchants [are] princes, whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?

Isaiah 23:9

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

Judges 4:21

Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

Judges 1:6

But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.