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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.
Therefore, "the righteous will consider this, and rejoice: and the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped" [Psalm 107:42]. That wickedness that does prate against unity, and compels truth to be made manifest, shall be convicted, and have its mouth stopped.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 107:42 serves as a profound concluding statement within a psalm of communal thanksgiving, encapsulating the striking dichotomy between the destinies and responses of the righteous and the wicked in light of God's sovereign acts of deliverance and judgment. It declares that those who walk in uprightness will witness God's redemptive work with profound joy, while all forms of wickedness will be utterly silenced and shamed by the undeniable manifestation of divine justice and power.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 107 functions as a wisdom psalm, concluding the fifth book of the Psalter, and is primarily a psalm of communal thanksgiving. It is structured around four distinct scenarios of distress and divine deliverance: wanderers in the wilderness (verses 4-9), prisoners in darkness (verses 10-16), the sick suffering from folly (verses 17-22), and sailors caught in a storm (verses 23-32). Each section is punctuated by the recurring refrain, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (e.g., Psalms 107:8). Following these specific examples, the psalm broadens its scope to God's general sovereignty over creation and human affairs, demonstrating His ability to bring desolation upon the wicked (Psalms 107:33-34) and raise the poor from affliction (Psalms 107:35-41). Verse 42 then serves as a climactic summary, providing the ultimate consequence and appropriate human response to witnessing God's comprehensive acts of justice and mercy, culminating in the call for wisdom in Psalms 107:43.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Psalms, as the prayer book and hymnbook of Israel, consistently reflect the nation's understanding of God's character and His interaction with humanity. While Psalms 107 does not point to a specific historical event, its themes resonate with Israel's collective memory of divine deliverance, particularly from the Babylonian exile, and the ongoing experience of God's faithfulness in their history. The categories of "righteous" and "wicked" are fundamental moral and theological distinctions throughout ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, including the Old Testament. In Israelite thought, righteousness (יָשָׁר, yashar) was not merely adherence to legal codes but a holistic state of being in right relationship with God and others, characterized by integrity, justice, and faithfulness. Conversely, iniquity represented rebellion against God's order and a deviation from His ways. The public display of justice and the vindication of the righteous were deeply significant in a communal society, affirming God's covenant loyalty and moral governance of the world.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout Psalms 107 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Justice and Sovereignty, asserting God's active and undeniable role in governing the world, where His actions are clearly visible ("shall see it"). He is not a passive observer but an active participant who intervenes to judge wickedness and deliver the upright. Secondly, the Rejoicing of the Righteous highlights the appropriate response of those who align themselves with God's will. Their joy stems from witnessing God's vindication of His own character and His people, affirming their trust in His power and faithfulness, a sentiment echoed in other psalms where the righteous celebrate God's judgments against evil (e.g., Psalms 58:10). Thirdly, the Silencing of Iniquity portrays the ultimate futility and shame of rebellion against God. The phrase "all iniquity shall stop her mouth" conveys a profound sense of defeat, rendering the wicked speechless and without defense in the face of God's undeniable power and righteousness, signifying the end of their boasts and opposition. Finally, the verse presents a Stark Contrast between the destinies and reactions of the righteous and the wicked, serving as a powerful summary of the moral order God establishes and upholds in the world.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 107:42 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and impact. Most prominently, Personification is used when "all iniquity" is depicted as an entity capable of "stopping her mouth." This vivid imagery transforms an abstract concept (wickedness) into a defeated, shamed individual, making the triumph of God's justice more tangible and impactful. The verse also relies heavily on Antithesis or Contrast, juxtaposing the "righteous" with "all iniquity" and their respective outcomes: the righteous "rejoice," while iniquity is "silenced." This sharp dichotomy highlights the clear moral order established by God and the distinct destinies awaiting those who align with Him versus those who oppose Him. Furthermore, the act of "seeing" by the righteous underscores the Observational aspect of divine revelation, implying that God's justice is not hidden but is made manifest for all to witness and respond to.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:42 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine justice and the ultimate vindication of God's moral order. It reassures believers that despite the apparent prosperity of the wicked or the prevalence of injustice in the world, God remains sovereign and actively intervenes in human affairs. The "seeing" and "rejoicing" of the righteous is a testament to their faith in God's character and their anticipation of His righteous judgments. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative where God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive, bringing about the flourishing of the upright and the silencing of all that opposes His good purposes. It speaks to the eschatological hope that all wrongs will eventually be made right, and God's glory will be universally acknowledged.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:42 offers enduring encouragement and a profound call to faith for believers in every generation. In a world often marked by injustice, where the wicked may seem to prosper and the righteous suffer, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately in control. It encourages us to cultivate a spiritual discernment that recognizes God's hand at work, even when His justice is unfolding in ways we do not immediately understand. For the righteous, witnessing God's sovereign acts, whether in personal deliverance or the broader sweep of history, is a source of profound joy, affirmation, and renewed trust. It strengthens our conviction that our faith is not in vain and that God will indeed bring about His perfect will. Conversely, the verse stands as a solemn warning to those who persist in wickedness, reminding us that all forms of iniquity will ultimately face God's undeniable judgment and be rendered utterly speechless and shamed. This should motivate us to live lives of integrity and righteousness, trusting in God's ultimate triumph and seeking to align our lives with His just and holy character, so that we may be among those who rejoice rather than those who are silenced.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "iniquity shall stop her mouth" imply a literal silencing or something more metaphorical?
Answer: The phrase "iniquity shall stop her mouth" is primarily metaphorical, conveying a profound sense of shame, defeat, and utter lack of defense. It does not necessarily mean a literal inability to speak, but rather that all arguments, boasts, and accusations of wickedness will be rendered null and void in the face of God's undeniable power and righteousness. It signifies the complete triumph of God's justice, leaving no room for the wicked to justify themselves or to continue their opposition. This concept is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Romans 3:19, where the law's purpose is to make the whole world accountable to God, "that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." It speaks to the ultimate futility and public humiliation of all rebellion against God, where evil is exposed, condemned, and left without a word to say in its own defense.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:42 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Righteous One" (Acts 3:14), whose life perfectly embodied God's justice and righteousness. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of divine justice and mercy, where He, the sinless Lamb of God, bore the iniquity of the world (Isaiah 53:6). Through His resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, effectively causing "all iniquity" to "stop her mouth." The demonic forces and the power of sin, which once held humanity captive, were disarmed and put to open shame by Christ's victory (Colossians 2:15). Consequently, those who believe in Him, the "righteous" by faith in Christ, "see" His finished work and "rejoice" with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8). The ultimate silencing of iniquity will be fully realized at Christ's return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship, and all unrighteousness will be judged and banished forever, ushering in an era of perfect justice and peace under the reign of the King of kings (Philippians 2:10-11).