Psalms 107:17-22

17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
18 They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Psalms 107:17-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 107

This psalm, from its style, and from its connection with the preceding psalms, seems to have been written by David. The two foregoing psalms respect the children of Israel; this is generally thought to concern all mankind, and its view to assert a general providence which attends all, in whatsoever condition and circumstance; and to encourage men in their distresses to cry unto the Lord. According to Kimchi, Aben Ezra, and others, four sorts of persons are mentioned, travellers through a wilderness, prisoners, sick persons, and such who use the seas; to which some add a fifth, husbandmen; these are instanced in, not to the exclusion of others, but from them it may be concluded that whatsoever state or condition persons may be in, they are known and taken notice of by the Lord, and are relieved by him when they call upon him. Some restrain the whole to the Israelites, as the Targum, R. Obadiah, Arama, and others, where they make any application; and others apply the psalm to New Testament times; and indeed, though the literal sense should be attended unto and preserved, yet it seems to be applicable to spiritual persons and things. The title of it in the Syriac version is pretty remarkable,

``it is said concerning Joab and Abiah the sons of Samuel, who recited the commandments of the Lord. God gathered the Jews out of captivity, and brought them out from Babylon. Also the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, gathered the Gentiles from the four corners of the world, by preaching to baptism.''

Cross References 17

  • 1. S Psalms 53:1
  • 2. S Psalms 25:7
  • 3. S Leviticus 26:16; Isaiah 65:6-7; Jeremiah 30:14-15; Galatians 6:7-8; Lamentations 3:39
  • 4. S Job 3:24; S Job 6:6; Job 33:20
  • 5. S Job 17:16; S Job 33:22; Psalms 9:13; Psalms 88:3
  • 6. ver 28; Psalms 5:2
  • 7. ver 13; Psalms 34:4
  • 8. S Deuteronomy 32:2; Psalms 147:15; Matthew 8:8; Luke 7:7
  • 9. S Exodus 15:26; Psalms 103:3
  • 10. S Job 33:28
  • 11. Psalms 16:10; Psalms 30:3; Psalms 49:15; S Psalms 56:13
  • 12. S ver 15
  • 13. Psalms 6:4
  • 14. Psalms 75:1
  • 15. S Leviticus 7:12; Psalms 50:14; Psalms 116:17
  • 16. Psalms 9:11; Psalms 73:28; Psalms 118:17
  • 17. S Job 8:21; S Psalms 65:8
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