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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.
"And He helped the poor out of beggary" [Psalm 107:41]. What means this, brethren? Princes are despised, and the poor helped. The proud are cast aside, and the humble provided for...."And made him households like sheep." Thou understandest one poor man and one beggar of him concerning whom he said, "He has helped the poor out of misery:" this poor man is now many households, this poor man is many nations; many Churches are one Church, one nation, one household, one sheep. These are great mysteries, great types, how profound, how full of hidden meanings; how sweetly discovered, since long hidden.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 107:41 powerfully declares God's righteous and compassionate intervention in the lives of the downtrodden. It portrays a divine reversal of fortunes, where God actively elevates the humble and suffering from their state of affliction, transforming their circumstances to bring them security, prosperity, and the flourishing of their households, establishing them in abundance and stability.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 107:41 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Contrast, as the verse directly juxtaposes God's judgment upon the proud princes in Psalms 107:40 with His gracious elevation of the poor in verse 41. This sharp distinction powerfully emphasizes God's righteous judgment and the dramatic reversal of human fortunes, highlighting His sovereignty. A striking Simile is used in the phrase "maketh families like a flock," which vividly compares the flourishing and increase of households to the abundance and security of a well-tended flock. This imagery is rich in Symbolism, where the "flock" represents not only numerical increase but also prosperity, protection, and the collective well-being of a household, resonating deeply with an agrarian audience. The verse also exhibits clear Parallelism in its structure, where the two clauses describe complementary aspects of God's redemptive work: the elevation from affliction and the establishment of flourishing families, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of His blessing.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:41 beautifully encapsulates a foundational theological truth: God's unwavering commitment to justice and His compassionate care for the marginalized. This verse is not merely a description of historical events but a profound declaration of God's character as the one who actively intervenes to right wrongs, to lift the humble, and to provide for those who are often overlooked or oppressed by human systems. It speaks to a divine economy where the values of the world are inverted, and the last become first. This principle is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical revelation, affirming that God is the defender of the oppressed and the ultimate source of true security and fruitfulness, often manifesting His power through unexpected and miraculous reversals of fortune for His faithful ones.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:41 offers profound encouragement and a powerful lens through which to view God's ongoing work in the world. For those experiencing hardship, poverty, or oppression, it serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that God sees our suffering, hears our cries, and is mighty to save and elevate. It fosters a deep trust in God's ultimate justice and His unwavering commitment to care for His people, assuring us that our current circumstances do not dictate our final destiny under His sovereign hand. This verse also serves as a poignant call to action for the church and individual believers to embody God's heart for the vulnerable. We are called to reflect His character by actively caring for the poor, advocating for justice, and working to alleviate suffering in our communities, knowing that God delights in lifting up the lowly and providing for their households. It assures us that God's plan often involves taking what is humble and afflicted and transforming it into something abundant and secure under His watchful care, demonstrating His glory through the flourishing of His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the poor" that God elevates in this verse?
Answer: In the biblical context, "the poor" (Hebrew: ʼebyôwn) often refers to more than just economic status. It encompasses those who are weak, vulnerable, oppressed, or lacking social standing and power. These are individuals or groups who are dependent on God for their vindication and provision, often because human systems have failed them or even actively exploited them. God's elevation of "the poor" is a profound demonstration of His justice and compassion, showing His special concern for those on the margins of society, as seen in passages like Proverbs 14:31, which links honoring God with showing kindness to the needy.
How does God "make families like a flock"? Does this guarantee material wealth?
Answer: The imagery of "families like a flock" (Hebrew: ka-tsôʼn) speaks to abundance, security, and the thriving of a household. In an ancient agrarian society, a large, healthy flock signified wealth, stability, and blessing. While it certainly suggests material provision and numerical increase (children, descendants), the primary emphasis is on holistic well-being, including security, unity, and the flourishing of one's lineage under God's protective care. It doesn't guarantee a specific level of material wealth for every individual but rather speaks to God's desire for His people to be fruitful and secure in their communal and familial life, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who trust in Him, as promised in the covenant blessings outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:41 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodies God's heart for the poor and afflicted, identifying with them completely. Jesus' inaugural ministry was characterized by His compassionate proclamation of good news to the poor, healing the sick, and setting the captives free, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah (Luke 4:18-19). He himself became poor, divesting Himself of heavenly glory, that we, through His poverty, might become spiritually rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Moreover, He experienced the ultimate affliction on the cross, enduring suffering and death to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and spiritual death, thereby reversing the greatest affliction. Through His glorious resurrection, He brought forth life and victory for all who believe. Furthermore, Christ gathers His followers into a new spiritual family, the Church, which is often tenderly referred to as His "flock," for whom He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:16). This spiritual family, comprised of believers from every tribe and nation, experiences a prosperity far greater than material wealth—the abundance of grace, eternal life, and the secure identity of being children of God through faith in Him (Galatians 3:26-29). Thus, Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who elevates His flock from spiritual affliction and makes them flourish in the security and abundance of His eternal kingdom.