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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.
"Who is wise? And he will consider these things; and will understand the mercies of the Lord" [Psalm 107:43]....Not his own deservings, not his own strength, not his own power; but "the mercies of the Lord;" who, when he was wandering and in want, led him back to the path, and fed him; who, when he was struggling against the difficulties of his sins, and bound down with the fetters of habit, released and freed him; who, when he loathed the Word of God, and was almost dying with a kind of weariness, restored him by sending him the medicine of His Word; who, when he was endangered among the risks of shipwreck and storm, stilled the sea, and brought him into port; who, finally, placed him in that people, where He gives grace to the humble; not in that where he resists the proud; and has made him His own, that remaining within he may be multiplied, not that going out he may be minished. The righteous see this, and rejoice. "The mouth," therefore, "of all wickedness shall be stopped."
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SUMMARY
Psalm 107:43 serves as a profound concluding exhortation to the entire psalm, which celebrates God's enduring lovingkindness and faithfulness through various acts of deliverance. This verse declares that true wisdom is demonstrated not merely by intellectual capacity, but by a discerning observation of God's mighty works and interventions in the lives of His people. Such careful attention and reflection lead to a deep, experiential understanding and appreciation of the LORD's steadfast love, mercy, and covenant loyalty, encouraging a posture of gratitude and trust in His unfailing character.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 107:43 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The verse functions as a Proverbial Statement, offering a concise, universally applicable truth about the nature of wisdom and its profound outcome. It uses Conditional Language ("Whoso is wise... and will observe... even they shall understand"), establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between discerning observation and spiritual insight. The phrase "these [things]" serves as a powerful Referential Pointer, directing the reader back to the detailed accounts of God's deliverance in the preceding verses, thereby unifying the entire psalm and reinforcing its central message. The concept of "lovingkindness" (חֶסֶד, chêçêd) is a profound Theological Motif that permeates the psalm, acting as the central attribute of God that is revealed through all His actions. The verse also exhibits a subtle form of Parallelism in its structure, implicitly linking wisdom, observation, and understanding as interconnected facets of spiritual discernment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 107:43 serves as a capstone, inviting the reader to move beyond mere recitation of God's acts to a profound comprehension of His character. It underscores that true wisdom is not abstract knowledge but a practical, discerning engagement with divine revelation, particularly as seen in God's historical interventions. The understanding of God's chêçêd—His steadfast, covenantal love—is the ultimate goal, transforming intellectual assent into deep, personal assurance. This verse thus bridges the gap between God's mighty deeds and humanity's spiritual perception, urging a reflective posture that leads to worship and trust. It reminds us that God's unwavering love is the consistent thread running through all His dealings with humanity, providing hope and security.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 107:43 offers a timeless invitation for believers to cultivate a posture of thoughtful observation and spiritual discernment in their lives. In a world often characterized by fleeting attention and superficial understanding, this verse calls us to pause and deeply consider the ways God has acted—both in the grand sweep of redemptive history and in the intimate details of our personal journeys. By intentionally reflecting on His past deliverances, provisions, and interventions, we build a robust foundation for faith and trust in His continued faithfulness. This practice not only deepens our appreciation for God's character, particularly His enduring lovingkindness, but also equips us to navigate future challenges with a confident expectation of His presence and power. It transforms our understanding from mere intellectual assent to a profound, experiential knowledge that shapes our worship, gratitude, and daily walk with Him, enabling us to live in greater alignment with His will and purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "lovingkindness of the LORD" truly mean in this context?
Answer: In this context, "lovingkindness" translates the Hebrew word chêçêd (חֶסֶד), a rich theological term that signifies God's steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. It's not merely an emotion but an active, benevolent commitment that God consistently demonstrates towards His people, especially within their covenant relationship. Throughout Psalm 107, God's chêçêd is revealed through His acts of deliverance from various forms of distress—whether it's freeing wanderers, prisoners, the sick, or sailors. To "understand" this lovingkindness means to grasp the depth of God's unwavering faithfulness, His persistent mercy, and His reliable character that compels Him to redeem and sustain, even when His people are undeserving. It's a foundational attribute of God that assures His people of His constant care and commitment, as seen in the psalm's opening declaration in Psalm 107:1.
How does one "observe these things" in a way that leads to understanding?
Answer: To "observe these things" means to thoughtfully and discerningly consider God's actions, both in the grand narrative of salvation history (as recounted in the psalm) and in one's own personal experience. It involves more than just noticing; it requires reflection, meditation, and a willingness to learn from God's interventions. This is an active process of spiritual discernment, where one connects the dots between events and God's character. For instance, reflecting on how God delivered Israel from Egypt (see Exodus 14) or how He provides in personal trials allows one to see the consistent pattern of His chêçêd. This kind of observation transforms intellectual knowledge into a deep, experiential understanding, much like the wisdom described in Proverbs 4:7.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 107:43, with its emphasis on understanding the "lovingkindness of the LORD" through observing His works, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The chêçêd of God, His steadfast covenant love, is perfectly embodied and supremely demonstrated in the person and work of Christ. While the psalm recounts God's deliverance from various physical and spiritual bondages, Jesus is the definitive deliverer, the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Through His incarnation, life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, God's lovingkindness is not merely observed in historical acts but personally encountered and eternally secured. The wisdom to "observe these things" now means recognizing that all of God's saving acts, culminating in the Old Testament, point forward to Christ, and all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him (see 2 Corinthians 1:20). To understand the lovingkindness of the LORD is to understand the Gospel—that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (see John 3:16), thereby providing the ultimate deliverance from sin and death, and securing an eternal covenant of grace for all who believe. This understanding is not just intellectual; it is a spiritual revelation granted by the Holy Spirit, leading to a life transformed by the boundless love of God revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (see Romans 5:8).