Psalm 107:9

EXPOSITION

Verse 9. For he satisfieth the longing soul. This is the summary of the lost traveller's experience. He who in a natural sense has been rescued from perishing in a howling wilderness ought to bless the Lord who brings hint again to eat bread among men. The spiritual sense is, however, the more rich in instruction. The Lord sets us longing and then completely satisfies us. That longing leads us into solitude, separation, thirst, faintness and self despair, and all these conduct us to prayer, faith, divine guidance, satisfying of the soul's thirst, and rest: the good hand of the Lord is to be seen in the whole process and in the divine result.

And filleth the hungry soul with goodness. As for thirst he gives satisfaction, so for hunger he supplies filling. In both cases the need is more than met, there is an abundance in the supply which is well worthy of notice: the Lord does nothing in a niggardly fashion; satisfying and filling are his peculiar modes of treating his guests; none who come under the Lord's providing ever complain of short commons. Nor does he fill the hungry with common fare, but with goodness itself. It is not so much good, as the essence of goodness which he bestows on needy suppliants. Shall man be thus royally supplied and return no praise for the largeness of love? It must not be so. We will even now give thanks with all the redeemed church, and pray for the time when the whole earth shall be filled with his glory.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 9. For he satisfieth the longing soul. This is the reason which the psalmist gives for the duty of thankfulness which he prescribes. "The longing soul", hqqv fpn, nephesh shokekah, the soul that pushes forward in eager desire after salvation. --Adam Clarke.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 9. A great general fact. The condition, the benefactor, the blessing "goodness", the result -- "satisfieth." Then the further result of praise as seen in Psalms 107:8 .