Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
Whoso is wise {H2450}, and will observe {H8104} these things, even they shall understand {H995} the lovingkindness {H2617} of the LORD {H3068}.
Let whoever is wise observe these things and consider ADONAI's loving deeds.
Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.
Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah.
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Hosea 14:9
Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. -
Jeremiah 9:12
¶ Who [is] the wise man, that may understand this? and [who is he] to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth [and] is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through? -
Psalms 64:9
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. -
Daniel 10:12
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. -
Ephesians 3:18
May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; -
Ephesians 3:19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. -
Jeremiah 9:24
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.
Commentary on Psalms 107:43 (KJV)
Psalms 107:43 KJV: "Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD."
Context
Psalm 107 is a powerful psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring lovingkindness and faithfulness. It recounts four specific scenarios of distress from which God delivers His people: wanderers in the wilderness, prisoners in darkness, the sick near death, and sailors caught in storms. In each case, the people cry out to the LORD, and He delivers them, prompting the repeated refrain, "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31). Verse 43 serves as a concluding exhortation, drawing a profound lesson from the preceding narratives. It is a wisdom statement, inviting the reader to reflect on God's historical actions and draw a personal conclusion about His character.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The pivotal word in this verse is "lovingkindness," which translates the Hebrew term chesed (חֶסֶד). Chesed is a rich theological term in the Old Testament, often translated as steadfast love, mercy, kindness, or covenant loyalty. It describes God's faithful love that goes beyond mere affection, demonstrating active commitment and benevolence, especially within a covenant relationship. It is a persistent, reliable, and unconditional love that leads Him to deliver, preserve, and redeem. Understanding the depth of God's chesed, or steadfast love, is central to grasping the message of Psalm 107.
Practical Application
Psalms 107:43 calls us to be thoughtful observers of life and history, both personal and collective.