Psalms 107:38

Psalms 107:38 (KJV): "He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease."

Context

Psalm 107 is a powerful psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring mercy and sovereignty. It recounts various scenarios where people cry out to the Lord in distress—wanderers in the wilderness, prisoners, those afflicted by their sins, and mariners in storms—and God delivers them. The psalm then shifts to illustrate God's justice and providence over the land, showing how He can turn fruitful land into a wilderness for the wickedness of its inhabitants, or conversely, transform a wilderness into a fruitful habitation for the humble and hungry. Verse 38 specifically speaks to the blessings poured out upon those who are righteous and whom God has settled, contrasting sharply with the desolation mentioned in previous verses.

Key Themes

• Divine Provision and Blessing: This verse highlights God as the ultimate source of prosperity and well-being. His blessing is not just spiritual but tangibly affects the material aspects of life.
• Multiplication and Growth: The phrase "multiplied greatly" signifies an increase in family, descendants, and overall population, which was a profound sign of divine favor and fulfillment of God's original command to be fruitful.
• Material Abundance and Sustenance: "Suffereth not their cattle to decrease" directly addresses economic stability and wealth in an agrarian society, where livestock ("cattle") represented primary assets, food, and livelihood. It implies protection from famine, disease, and loss.
• God's Faithfulness to His People: The verse assures that God actively sustains and protects the resources of those He blesses, ensuring their continued prosperity and security. This echoes covenant blessings promised for obedience.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "blesseth" is barak (בָּרַךְ), which means to kneel, to praise, or to empower for prosperity. Here, it signifies God's active bestowal of favor and capability for success.
• "Multiplied greatly" comes from the root rabah (רָבָה), meaning to become numerous, abundant, or to increase. It conveys a sense of overflowing growth.
• "Cattle" is miqneh (מִקְנֶה), a broad term for livestock (flocks and herds), which were the primary form of wealth and sustenance in ancient Israel.
• "Suffereth not... to decrease" uses the Hebrew ma'at (מָעַט), meaning to be few, to dwindle. The negative construction emphasizes God's active preservation, preventing any decline or loss in their valuable assets.

Practical Application

Psalms 107:38 offers timeless encouragement and challenges for believers today:

1. Trust in God's Provision: This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in sustaining His people, not just spiritually but also materially. We can trust Him for our daily needs and long-term security.
2. Recognize the Source of Prosperity: All true abundance comes from God's hand. It encourages a posture of gratitude and acknowledges His sovereignty over our resources and families.
3. Holistic Blessing: God's blessing encompasses all areas of life—family growth, financial stability, and overall well-being. This verse encourages us to seek God's blessing in every aspect, knowing He cares for the whole person.
4. Hope for the Future: Just as God sustained His people in ancient times, He continues to be faithful. This offers hope for those facing economic uncertainty or struggling with barrenness, reminding them of God's power to multiply and preserve. For further reflection on God's care, consider Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."