TRV
Translation
King James Version
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
American Standard Version
He led them also by a straight way, That they might go to a city of habitation.
World English Bible Messianic
he led them also by a straight way, that they might go to a city to live in.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And led them forth by the right way, that they might goe to a citie of habitation.
Young's Literal Translation
And causeth them to tread in a right way, To go unto a city of habitation.
In the KJVVerse 15,707 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 1–9
1 ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Here is, I. A general call to all to give thanks to God, Psa 107:1. Let all that sing this psalm, or pray over it, set themselves herein to give thanks to the Lord; and those that have not any special matter for praise may furnish themselves with matter enough from God's universal goodness. In the fountain he is good; in the streams his mercy endures for ever and never fails.
II. A particular demand hereof from the redeemed of the Lord, which may well be applied spiritually to those that have an interest in the great Redeemer and are saved by him from sin and hell. They have, of all people, most reason to say that God is good, and his mercy everlasting; these are the children of God that were scattered abroad, whom Christ died to gather together in one, out of all lands, Joh 11:52; Mat 24:31. But it seems here to be meant of a temporal deliverance, wrought for them when in their distress they cried unto the Lord, Psa 107:6. Is any afflicted? Let him pray. Does any pray? God will certainly hear and help. When troubles become extreme that is man's time to cry; those who but whispered prayer before then cry aloud, and then it is God's time to succour. In the mount he will be seen. 1. They were in an enemy's country, but God wrought out their rescue: He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (Psa 107:2), not by might or power, it may be (Zac 4:6), nor by price or reward (Isa 45:13), but by the Spirit of God working on the spirits of men. 2. They were dispersed as out-casts, but God gathered them out of all the countries whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, that they might again be incorporated, Psa 107:3. See Deu 30:4; Eze 34:12. God knows those that are his, and where to find them. 3. They were bewildered, had no road to travel in, no dwelling place to rest in, Psa 107:4. When they were redeemed out of the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, they were in danger of perishing in their return home through the dry and barren deserts. They wandered in the wilderness, where there was no trodden path, no company, but a solitary way, no lodging, no conveniences, no accommodations, no inhabited city where they might have quarters or refreshment. But God led them forth by the right way (Psa 107:7), directed them to an inn, nay, directed them to a home, that they might go to a city of habitation, which was inhabited, nay which them themselves should inhabit. This may refer to poor travellers in general, those particularly whose way lay through the wilds of Arabia, where we may suppose they were often at a loss; and yet many in that distress were wonderfully relieved, so that few perished. Note, We ought to take notice of the good hand of God's providence over us in our journeys, going out and coming in, directing us in our way, and providing for us places both to bait in and rest in. Or (as some think) it has an eye to the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years; it is said (Deu 32:10), God led them about, and yet here he led them by the right way. God's way, though to us it seems about, will appear at last to have been the right way. It is applicable to our condition in this world; we are here as in a wilderness, have here no continuing city, but dwell in tents as strangers and pilgrims. But we are under the guidance of his wise and good providence, and, if we commit ourselves to it, we shall be led in the right way to the city that has foundations. 4. They were ready to perish for hunger (Psa 107:5): Their soul even fainted in them. They were spent with the fatigues of their journey and ready to drop down for want of refreshment. Those that have constant plenty, and are every day fed to the full, know not what a miserable case it is to be hungry and thirsty, and to have no supply. This was sometimes the case of Israel in the wilderness, and perhaps of other poor travellers; but God's providence finds out ways to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, Psa 107:9. Israel's wants were seasonably supplied, and many have been wonderfully relieved when they were ready to perish. The same God that has led us has fed us all our life long unto this day, has fed us with food convenient, has provided food for the soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, the living God, and communion with him, shall be abundantly replenished with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory. Now for all this those who receive mercy are called upon to return thanks (Psa 107:8): Oh that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them in particular, and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men! Note, (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to. (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to him. (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Ammon of HadrianopolisAD 355
LETTER OF BISHOP AMMON 28
Many other monks coming from Phbow by boat reached the island, and we were three hundred in number. About the eighth hour of the twenty-sixth of the month of Athyr, Theodore called all of us and gathered us near himself, and he told Theodore the Alexandrian to interpret what he was going to say to all: “God revealed to me long ago what I have to say but told me to keep silence for a while. Now, as I was standing, I have just been ordered to say it to you, and it is this: In almost every place where the name of Christ is being preached, many of those who have sinned after holy baptism have kept the apostolic faith in which we also stand and have wept for their sins. The Lord, accepting the genuineness of their repentance, has wiped away their sins. Therefore all those among you who up to this day have wept truly over the sins committed after your baptism shall know that you have received forgiveness. Let each of you, therefore, confess to the Lord his mercies and say, You have changed my grief into joy; you have stripped off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.”
Gregory of NyssaAD 395
AGAINST EUNOMIUS 2:15
Prophetic language affirms that the conversion of those in error is the work of God. For “they went astray in the wilderness in a thirsty land,” the psalmist says, and then he adds, “So he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to the city where they dwelled,” and “when the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion.” In like manner also the comfort of the afflicted is ascribed to God, Paul thus says, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who comforts us in all our tribulation.” Again, the psalmist says, speaking in the person of God, “You called on me in trouble, and I delivered you.” And the setting upright of those who stumble is ascribed innumerable times by Scripture to the power of the Lord: “You have held me by the hand that I might fall, but the Lord was my help,” and “Though he fall, he shall not be cast away, for the Lord upholds him with his hand,” and “The Lord helps them that are fallen.” And the recovery of the distressed admittedly belongs to the loving-kindness of God, if Eunomius means the same thing of which we learn in prophecy, as the Scripture says, “You laid burdens on our backs; you allowed people to ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, and you brought us to a place of abundance.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 107
"They wandered in the wilderness, in a dry place, they found not the way of a city to dwell in" [Psalm 107:4]. We have heard a wretched wandering; what of want? "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them" [Psalm 107:5]. But wherefore did it faint? For what good? For God is not cruel, but He makes Himself known, in that it is expedient for us, that He be entreated by us fainting, and that aiding us He be loved. And therefore after this wandering, and hunger, and thirst, "And they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distress" [Psalm 107:6]. And what did He for them, as they were wandering? "And He led them in the right way" [Psalm 107:7]. They found not the way of a city to dwell in, with hunger and thirst they were vexed and faint, "and He led them into the right way, that they might go into a city to dwell in." How He helped their hunger and thirst, He says not, but even this expect ye: "Let them confess unto the Lord His mercies, and His wonders towards the children of men" [Psalm 107:8]. Tell them, you that are experienced, to the inexperienced; ye that are already in the way, already directed towards finding the city, already at last free from hunger and thirst. "Because He has satisfied the empty soul, and filled the hungry soul with good things" [Psalm 107:9].
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 107:7 beautifully encapsulates God's compassionate intervention and purposeful guidance for those lost and disoriented. Following a period of desperate wandering, hunger, and thirst in a desolate wilderness, this verse highlights the Lord's gracious response to His people's desperate cry: He actively leads them not merely out of danger, but directly onto a divinely ordained, proper path that culminates in their arrival at a secure, settled dwelling place. This journey symbolizes profound restoration, stability, and the ultimate fulfillment of their deepest longing for home, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 107:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of divine deliverance. Imagery is central, contrasting the desolate "wilderness" and "solitary way" (verse 4) with the security, community, and permanence of a "city of habitation." This vivid contrast heightens the sense of divine deliverance and the profound relief of reaching a safe haven after extreme hardship. The entire scenario functions as a Metaphor for life's spiritual journey, where individuals or groups can find themselves "lost" or "wandering" in periods of confusion, despair, or spiritual dryness, much like the physical wanderers. God's leading them by the "right way" to a "city of habitation" becomes a metaphor for divine guidance leading to spiritual rest, purpose, and ultimately, salvation and eternal dwelling. There is also a clear element of Divine Intervention, where God's active role ("He led them forth") is presented as the sole solution to an otherwise hopeless situation, emphasizing His sovereignty, power, and profound compassion for the distressed. The structure of the psalm itself, with its repeated refrain of crying out and God's deliverance, reinforces the Repetition of God's steadfast love and wondrous works.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:7 profoundly illustrates God's character as a compassionate and faithful Guide who actively intervenes in the lives of His people, leading them from places of desolation and disorientation to security and rest. This verse speaks to the universal human experience of feeling lost or in need of direction, affirming that God's providence extends to the practicalities of our journey, not just our spiritual destination. It connects with the broader biblical narrative of God as the Shepherd who leads His flock, the one who provides a way where there seems to be none, and the ultimate source of true peace and belonging. The "city of habitation" foreshadows the ultimate rest and secure dwelling that God prepares for His people, both in this life and eternally, a promise that culminates in the New Testament vision of the heavenly city.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 107:7 offers immense comfort, profound hope, and a powerful call to trust. In a world often marked by uncertainty, confusion, and feelings of being lost—whether in career paths, relationships, spiritual struggles, or life's unexpected detours and wilderness seasons—this verse assures us that we are never abandoned. Just as God heard the desperate cries of the ancient wanderers and actively intervened, He hears ours. He possesses perfect knowledge of "the right way" for each of us, a path that is not only geographically correct but morally upright, spiritually enriching, and ultimately leads to our flourishing and His glory. This truth encourages us to surrender our own attempts to navigate life's wildernesses and instead lean fully on His divine guidance, knowing that His intention is always to bring us to a place of peace, stability, and true belonging—a spiritual "city of habitation." It reminds us that our current struggles are not our final destination, and that faithful endurance, coupled with fervent prayer and trust in His leading, will ultimately bring us to the rest and security He has prepared.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "right way" in this verse?
Answer: The "right way" (Hebrew: derekh yesharah) is highly significant because it implies more than just a geographically correct route. It refers to a path that is straight, upright, proper, and divinely sanctioned. In the context of the wanderers, it means God led them directly and efficiently out of their lostness, without detours or further peril. Theologically, it suggests that God's guidance is always perfect, morally sound, and leads to the best possible outcome, aligning with His righteous character. It's the way of integrity and truth, ensuring that those who follow it will reach their intended, blessed destination, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does the "city of habitation" relate to our spiritual journey?
Answer: The "city of habitation" (ʻîyr môwshâb) serves as a powerful metaphor for the ultimate destination of our spiritual journey: a place of security, stability, rest, and belonging. For the ancient Israelites, it represented the promised land after wilderness wandering. For believers today, it speaks to the spiritual rest found in Christ, the peace that comes from being settled in God's will, and the ultimate hope of an eternal dwelling place with Him. It contrasts with the transient, uncertain nature of life's "wilderness" seasons, offering the promise of a permanent, flourishing home in God's presence, whether that be spiritual peace and purpose in this life or the heavenly city to come, as described in Hebrews 11:10.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "right way," declaring Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" in John 14:6. Humanity, lost in the wilderness of sin, spiritual disorientation, and separation from God, has no inherent ability to find its way back to God or to a place of true rest and belonging. It is Christ who actively "leads us forth" from our lostness and spiritual death, guiding us through His Spirit and His Word onto the path of righteousness, which leads to abundant life and eternal salvation. Furthermore, Jesus is the one who prepares the ultimate "city of habitation" for His followers. He promised His disciples, "In my Father's house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you" in John 14:2. This heavenly dwelling, the New Jerusalem, is the true and eternal "city of habitation" that Abraham sought (Hebrews 11:10) and where God will dwell with His people forever, wiping away every tear and making all things new (Revelation 21:2-4). Thus, Jesus is not only our perfect Guide on the "right way" but also the very destination, the one who brings us into the ultimate and everlasting "city of habitation" with God Himself.