Psalm 107:11

EXPOSITION

Verse 11. Because they rebelled against the words of God. This was the general cause of bondage among the ancient people of God, they were given over to their adversaries because they were not loyal to the Lord. God's words are not to be trifled with, and those who venture on such rebellion will bring themselves into bondage.

And contemned the counsel of the Most High. They thought that they knew better than the Judge of all the earth, and therefore they left his ways and walked in their own. When men do not follow the divine counsel they give the most practical proof of their contempt for it. Those who will not be bound by God's law will, ere long, be bound by the fetters of judgment. There is too much contemning of the divine counsel, even among Christians, and hence so few of them know the liberty wherewith Christ makes us free.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 11. Because they rebelled against the words of God. There is in the Hebrew a play upon similar sounds -- Himru Imree. God's words are those spoken in the Law and by the prophets. And contemned the counsel of the Most High -- another play upon like sounds in the Hebrew -- Hatzath Naatzu. --A.R. Fausset.