Psalm 107:7

Verse 7. He led them forth. Forth out of the world -- forth out of a profession -- forth out of a name to live -- forth out of every thing hateful in his holy and pure eyes. --J.C. Philpot.

Verse 7. And he led them forth by the right way, etc. Alexander translates this verse -- "And he led them in a straight course, to go to a city of habitation"; and adds, "No exact version can preserve or imitate the paronomasia arising from the etymological affinity of the first verb and noun, analogous to that between the English walk and to walk, though the Hebrew forms are only similar and not identical. The idea of physical rectitude or straightness necessarily suggests that of moral rectitude or honesty, commonly denoted by the Hebrew word."

Verse 7. A city of habitation. Not a city of inspection! Many -- (Eternal God, will it be any of this company?) -- will look in; and "there shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, when they shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God, and they themselves shut out." Not a city of visitation. Christians shall not only enter, but abide. They shall go no more out -- it is "a city of habitation." This conveys the idea of repose. The Christian is now a traveller; then he will be a resident: he is now on the road; he will then be at home: "there remaineth a rest for the people of God." It reminds us of a social state. It is not a solitary condition; we shall partake of it with an innumerable company of angels, with all the saved from among men, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, our kindred in Christ. "These are fellow citizens of the saints, and of the household of God." It suggests magnificence. It is not a village, or a town, but a city of habitation. A city is the highest representation of civil community. There have been famous cities; but what are they all to this! -- William Jay.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 7. Divine grace stimulating our exertions. "He led them forth ... that they might go."