Psalm 107 Study Notes

107:19 This is a repetition of v. 13.

107:20 The Lord’s word healed the diseased and saved those who were close to death (Is 25:7-8; 35:5-6; 54:1; 57:18; 65:19-20).

107:21-22 See note on v. 8.

107:23-32 The OT does not elaborate on the maritime activity of Israel, and commercial seafaring is rarely mentioned (Gn 49:13; 2Ch 9:21; 20:36).

107:23-26 The terminology and rhythm of this section mimic the up-and-down movement of the waves. The Lord exercises sovereign control over the fierce sea (Jb 38:8-11; Jnh 1:4-16; Mt 8:26-27). God’s powerful word brings all things to pass (Jb 37:6-13; Ps 147:15-20; Is 40:6-8; 55:8-11).

107:27 The sailors’ actions are compared to those of a drunkard (Pr 23:29-35). The Hebrew term hagag (reeled) normally describes celebration and dancing. Their skill was useless could be translated “their wisdom was confounded.”

107:29-30 The psalmist recounted the Lord’s deliverance of the sailors described in vv. 23-28.

107:33-35 Many of those exiled in Babylon became comfortable and were not anxious to return to Judah, so the psalmist, in an effort to encourage native Judeans to return to Jerusalem, reminded them that God could bring about a reversal in natural resources. The rivers of Babylon could fail, while the desert areas of Judah could flourish (Is 41:17-18).

107:36-38 The destruction of hunger and homelessness reflects a reversal of vv. 4-5,7. The hungry will become agriculturally independent, producing crops and cattle.

107:39-41 In an ironic twist, those who suffered oppression, grief, and misfortune will enjoy prosperity, while those who inflicted misery will be frustrated (7:14-16; Jb 12:21,24).

107:42 On injustice shuts its mouth, see Jb 5:16.

107:43 The psalm concludes with a wisdom saying centering on Yahweh’s covenant loyalty.