King James Version
Psalms 107
43 verses with commentary
Give Thanks to the Lord for His Steadfast Love
O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse establishes the psalm's theme: thanksgiving for God's covenant love. 'O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good' commands corporate gratitude grounded in God's character. 'For he is good' (<em>tov</em>, טוֹב) is the foundation—God's essential goodness motivates thanksgiving. 'For his mercy endureth for ever' uses <em>chesed</em> (חֶסֶד), covenant love/steadfast love/loyal love...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) For this doxology see Note, Psalm 106:1.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-11. The privileges of the first-born which belonged to Joseph (1Ch 5:1, 2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Ge 48:1). The supremacy of the tribe thus intimated was recognized by its position (in the marching of the nation to Canaan) next to the ark (Nu 2:18-24), by the selection of the first permanent locality for the ark within its borders at Shiloh, and by the extensive and fertile province ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse specifies who should give thanks. 'Let the redeemed of the LORD say so' identifies thanksgiving as the responsibility of those who've experienced redemption. 'Redeemed' (<em>gahal</em>, גָּאַל) means those bought back or rescued by a kinsman-redeemer. 'Say so' means declare it, testify publicly. Redemption demands testimony—experiencing God's deliverance obligates proclamation. 'Whom he...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Redeemed of the Lord.**—See for this grand expression, for which so high a destiny was prepared, Isaiah 62:12; and comp. Isaiah 63:4; Isaiah 35:9.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-11. The privileges of the first-born which belonged to Joseph (1Ch 5:1, 2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Ge 48:1). The supremacy of the tribe thus intimated was recognized by its position (in the marching of the nation to Canaan) next to the ark (Nu 2:18-24), by the selection of the first permanent locality for the ark within its borders at Shiloh, and by the extensive and fertile province ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. south: Heb. sea
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes gathering from geographical dispersion. 'And gathered them out of the lands' refers to exiles returning from various nations. 'From the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south' uses four directions to indicate universal gathering from all places of scattering. The Hebrew actually says 'from the sea' (<em>yam</em>, יָם) instead of 'south,' indicating compreh...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Gathered them.**—The usual prophetic word for the Restoration. (See references in margin, and with the verse comp. Isaiah 49:12.)
**From the south.**—See margin. The sea here can hardly be any sea but the Mediterranean, and therefore ought, according to general use (see Genesis 12:8, &c), to stand for the *west. *But as this makes the enumeration of the points of the compass imperfect, sever...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12-14. A record of God's dealings and the sins of the people is now made. The writer gives the history from the exode to the retreat from Kadesh; then contrasts their sins with their reasons for confidence, shown by a detail of God's dealings in Egypt, and presents a summary of the subsequent history to David's time.
**Zoan--**for Egypt, as its ancient capital (Nu 13:22; Is 19:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins the first of four rescue scenarios. 'They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way' describes lostness and desolation. 'Wilderness' (<em>midbar</em>, מִדְבָּר) is uninhabited wasteland. 'Solitary way' (<em>derek yeshimon</em>, דֶּרֶךְ יְשִׁימוֹן) means a desolate, pathless place—emphasizing both physical and existential lostness. 'They found no city to dwell in' means no habi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4-9) The wanderers.
(4) **They.**—It seems more natural to understand the subject of the verb *wandered *from the preceding clauses, than to supply a general subject, *they; *but this is by no means a certain interpretation. It depends on the view we take of the poem. (See Introduction.)
**A solitary way.**—Better, *in a desert track. *(Comp. Acts 8:26.) There is a grammatical difficulty, but thi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12-14. A record of God's dealings and the sins of the people is now made. The writer gives the history from the exode to the retreat from Kadesh; then contrasts their sins with their reasons for confidence, shown by a detail of God's dealings in Egypt, and presents a summary of the subsequent history to David's time.
**Zoan--**for Egypt, as its ancient capital (Nu 13:22; Is 19:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the extremity of need. 'Hungry and thirsty' indicates basic survival needs unmet. 'Their soul fainted in them' (<em>nefesh</em> עָטַף, soul/life being covered/wrapped/faint) means life force was draining away—they were dying. This describes physical desperation but also spiritual condition: humanity starving and dying without God, the bread of life and living water (John 4:10-...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Fainted.**—Literally, *let itself be covered. *(See Psalm 77:3.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12-14. A record of God's dealings and the sins of the people is now made. The writer gives the history from the exode to the retreat from Kadesh; then contrasts their sins with their reasons for confidence, shown by a detail of God's dealings in Egypt, and presents a summary of the subsequent history to David's time.
**Zoan--**for Egypt, as its ancient capital (Nu 13:22; Is 19:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the cry for help and God's response. 'Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble' shows extremity drives prayer. 'Cried' (<em>tsaaq</em>, צָעַק) means to cry out, call for help, shout in distress—desperate, loud prayer. 'In their trouble' (<em>tsar</em>, צַר) means in distress, anguish, or tight place. Trouble compresses us into crying out. 'And he delivered them out of th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-16. There were two similar miracles (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11).
**great depths--**and--rivers--denote abundance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's deliverance method. 'And he led them forth by the right way' emphasizes divine guidance. 'Led' (<em>darak</em>, דָּרַךְ) means to tread, march, or guide. 'Right way' (<em>derek yesharah</em>, דֶּרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה) means straight, direct path—contrasted with the crooked, confused wandering of verse 4. God doesn't just rescue randomly but guides purposefully toward a destinati...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **By the right way.**—Better, *in a straight way. *Even in the pathless wilderness “there is a hand that guides.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-16. There were two similar miracles (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11).
**great depths--**and--rivers--denote abundance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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KJV Study Commentary
This is the psalm's first refrain (repeated in vv. 15, 21, 31). 'Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness' is both wish and exhortation—expressing desire that people would respond appropriately to God's goodness. 'Praise' (<em>yadah</em>, יָדָה) means to give thanks, confess, acknowledge. 'For his goodness' points to God's character as motivation. 'And for his wonderful works to the chil...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Oh that men.**—The subject is rather to be supplied from the preceding clauses, “let them praise,” &c. Some, however, render “they praise,” &c
On the other hand, the insertion of “for” in each clause of the Authorised Version is correct (so LXX. and Vulg.).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. yet more--**literally, "added to sin," instead of being led to repentance (Ro 2:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains what God's 'wonderful works' (v. 8) include. 'For he satisfieth the longing soul' uses <em>shaqaq</em> (שָׁקַק), meaning panting or longing soul—deep, desperate desire. God satisfies this thirst. 'And filleth the hungry soul with goodness' uses <em>male</em> (מָלֵא), to fill full. God doesn't partially satisfy but completely fills with His goodness (<em>tov</em>, טוֹב). This de...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Longing soul.**—Or, *thirsty, *as in Isaiah 29:8. (Comp. Psalm 107:5.) The word originally applies to an animal running up and down in search of food or water. (See Joel 2:9; Proverbs 28:15.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. yet more--**literally, "added to sin," instead of being led to repentance (Ro 2:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 107
Chapter Outline
God's providential care of the children of men in distresses, in banishment, and dispersion.(1-9)
In captivity.(10-16)
In sickness.(17-22)
Danger at sea.(23-32)
God's hand is to be seen by his own people.(33-43)
**Verses 1-9**
In these verses there is reference to the deliverance from Egypt, and perhaps that from Babylon: but the circumstan...
Read full commentary →Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins the second rescue scenario: prisoners in darkness. 'Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death' uses powerful imagery. 'Darkness' (<em>choshek</em>, חשֶׁךְ) represents ignorance, misery, and separation from God. 'Shadow of death' (<em>tsalmaveth</em>, צַלְמָוֶת) means deep darkness or death-shadow. 'Being bound in affliction and iron' describes imprisonment with chains. T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10-16) The prisoners.
(10) **In darkness.**—A common synonym for a dungeon. (See Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 49:9, both of the exiles in Babylon; comp. Micah 7:8.)
This description, applicable to prisons in all ages but the most modern, was especially suitable for those of the ancients, who admitted no light at all; *e.g., *the Mamertine prison at Rome. Comp. Virgil, *Æn. *vi. 734:
*“*Neque auras
Dispici...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. yet more--**literally, "added to sin," instead of being led to repentance (Ro 2:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confin...
Read full commentary →Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains why they're imprisoned. 'Because they rebelled against the words of God' identifies rebellion as the cause. 'Rebelled' (<em>marah</em>, מָרָה) means to be contentious, rebellious, or bitter against. 'The words of God' (<em>imre El</em>, אִמְרֵי־אֵל) are God's commands and covenant stipulations. 'And contemned the counsel of the most High' adds that they despised divine wisdom. ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Contemned.**—This word is an old Mosaic designation for the *provocation *offered by the chosen people (Numbers 14:11; Numbers 14:23), as well as for the *abhorrence *shown by Jehovah for their sin (Deuteronomy 32:19). Certainly this verse is more closely applicable to violation of the Theocratic relations of Israel to Jehovah than of heathen opposition to God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. yet more--**literally, "added to sin," instead of being led to repentance (Ro 2:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confin...
Read full commentary →Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the consequence of rebellion. 'Therefore he brought down their heart with labour' means God humbled them through hardship. 'Brought down' (<em>kana</em>, כָּנַע) means to humble, subdue, or bring low. 'Their heart' indicates inner pride was targeted. 'With labour' (<em>amal</em>, עָמָל) means toil, trouble, or misery. 'They fell down, and there was none to help' depicts total ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Brought down.**—Literally, *made them bend.*
**Fell down.**—Better, *stumbled.*
The whole verse presents a picture of men staggering under the forced labour which was the usual fate of captives under the great Oriental monarchies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. fire--**the effect of the "anger" (Nu 11:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confin...
Read full commentary →Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse repeats the distress-cry-deliverance pattern (cf. v. 6). 'Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble' shows humbling produces desperate prayer. When humans exhaust their resources ('none to help,' v. 12), they turn to God. 'And he saved them out of their distresses' uses <em>yasha</em> (יָשַׁע), meaning to save, deliver, or give victory—the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'Yahweh ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22. (Compare He 8:8, 9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confin...
Read full commentary →He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes deliverance from imprisonment. 'He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death' reverses verse 10. 'Brought out' (<em>yatsa</em>, יָצָא) is exodus language—the same word for Israel's departure from Egypt. Deliverance from darkness is exodus from death's realm. 'And brake their bands in sunder' uses <em>nathaq</em> (נָתַק), meaning to tear apart, snap, or break off. Go...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Break their bands in sunder.**—See Psalm 2:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confin...
Read full commentary →Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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KJV Study Commentary
This is the second occurrence of the refrain (see v. 8). Following the prisoners' deliverance, it again calls for thanksgiving. The repetition after each rescue scenario emphasizes that God's wonderful works consistently deserve praise, regardless of which specific distress He delivers from. Whether wandering in wilderness or imprisoned in darkness, God's goodness shown in deliverance merits conti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Oh that . . .**—The subject is the participle in Psalm 107:10, “such as sit,” a fact which bears upon the proper subject in Psalm 107:8.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confin...
Read full commentary →For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.</strong> This verse celebrates God's powerful deliverance of His people from seemingly impossible captivity. The imagery of "gates of brass" and "bars of iron" represents the strongest, most formidable obstacles—literal prison doors or metaphorical barriers to freedom. Ancient Near Eastern fortifications used bronze...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
-16Isaiah 45:2 was present to the poet’s mind.
Virgil’s picture of the shrine of war (*Æn. *vii. 607) has been compared to this.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confin...
Read full commentary →Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins the third rescue scenario: healing from sickness. 'Fools because of their transgression' connects sickness to sin. 'Fools' (<em>ewil</em>, אֱוִיל) means senseless or morally deficient, not intellectually limited. 'Transgression' (<em>pesha</em>, פֶּשַׁע) means rebellion or covenant-breaking. 'And because of their iniquities, are afflicted' uses <em>innah</em> (עָנָה), meaning to ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17-22) The sick.
(17) **Fools**—*i.e.*, *infatuated in wickedness. *(Comp. the noun foolishness in Psalm 38:5 with the same ethical sense; and comp. Job 5:3 and the frequent connection of folly with sin in the book of Proverbs.) Another Hebrew word is used in the same way (Psalm 14:1).
**Because of their transgressions.**—Better more literally, *because of way of transgression, *or, *their course...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-22**
If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miracul...
Read full commentary →Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the severity of affliction. 'Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat' means loss of appetite—food becomes repulsive. 'And they draw near unto the gates of death' depicts life-threatening condition. 'Gates of death' (<em>shaar maveth</em>, שַׁעַר מָוֶת) is boundary language—they're at death's threshold. This terminal condition emphasizes helplessness: they can't heal themselves...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Soul.**—The Hebrew word for *soul *is very commonly used for *strong appetite *(see Psalm 107:9), so that we might paraphrase,” their appetite is turned to loathing.” Comp. this verse with Job 33:20.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-22**
If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miracul...
Read full commentary →Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse repeats the distress-cry-deliverance pattern (cf. vv. 6, 13). 'Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble' shows extremity drives prayer. At death's threshold, they cry out. 'And he saveth them out of their distresses' uses <em>yasha</em> (יָשַׁע), to save or deliver. The pattern's repetition across different scenarios (lost wanderers, imprisoned rebels, sick fools) emphasizes its uni...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-22**
If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miracul...
Read full commentary →He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's healing method. 'He sent his word, and healed them' emphasizes the power of God's word. 'Sent' (<em>shalach</em>, שָׁלַח) means to dispatch or send forth. God's word goes forth with power to accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:10-11). 'And delivered them from their destructions' uses <em>malat</em> (מָלַט), meaning to escape or slip away from—they're rescued from destruct...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **He sent His word.**—In history (see Psalm 105:19), as in the natural world (Psalm 147:18), God’s word is His messenger. (Comp. Isaiah 55:10-11.)
**Destructions.**—This follows the LXX., who derive as in Psalm 103:4. A better derivation, however, gives “pits,” either with metaphorical allusion to the “depths” of suffering, or literally, of the “graves” to which the sufferers had drawn near.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-22**
If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miracul...
Read full commentary →Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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KJV Study Commentary
This is the third occurrence of the refrain (see vv. 8, 15). After the healing scenario, it again calls for thanksgiving. The consistency demonstrates that all of God's deliverances—from lostness, imprisonment, or sickness—equally merit praise. God's wonderful works encompass diverse forms of salvation, but all proceed from His goodness and covenant love (<em>chesed</em>). The repeated call sugges...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-31. not estranged ... lust--**or, "desire"--that is, were indulging it.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-22**
If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miracul...
Read full commentary →And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. rejoicing: Heb. singing
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse expands the call to thanksgiving with specific actions. 'And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving' calls for formal worship. 'Sacrifices of thanksgiving' (<em>zevach todah</em>, זֶבַח תּוֹדָה) were peace offerings accompanied by testimony (Leviticus 7:12-15). 'And declare his works with rejoicing' uses <em>sapper</em> (סָפַר), meaning to recount, declare, or tell. 'With rej...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-31. not estranged ... lust--**or, "desire"--that is, were indulging it.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-22**
If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miracul...
Read full commentary →They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins the fourth rescue scenario: deliverance from storm at sea. 'They that go down to the sea in ships' describes mariners. 'That do business in great waters' uses <em>melakah</em> (מְלָאכָה), meaning work, business, or occupation. These are professional sailors conducting commerce on the ocean. This scenario differs from the previous three (wandering, imprisonment, sickness) by descr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23-32) Storm-tossed mariners.
(23) **They that go down to the sea.**—An expression so exactly opposite to the ancient equivalent for *embarking *that we feel we have the very Hebrew feeling. From the high lands of Judæa it was a literal descent to the shores of the Mediterranean. So Jonah *went down *to Joppa (Jonah 1:3). (Comp. Isaiah 42:10.)
**Do** **business.**—Probably with allusion to commer...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes what mariners witness. 'These see the works of the LORD' means mariners have unique perspective on God's power. 'See' (<em>raah</em>, רָאָה) emphasizes eyewitness observation. 'And his wonders in the deep' uses <em>pala</em> (פָּלָא), meaning wonderful, extraordinary, or miraculous deeds. 'In the deep' (<em>metsulah</em>, מְצוּלָה) means the depths or abyss. Those who venture ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. raiseth: Heb. maketh to stand
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's sovereignty over storms. 'For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind' shows God's active control over weather. 'Commandeth' (<em>amar</em>, אָמַר) means He speaks, and it happens. 'Raiseth' (<em>amad</em>, עָמַד) means to cause to stand or arise. 'Stormy wind' (<em>ruach searah</em>, רוּחַ סְעָרָה) is tempest or hurricane-force wind. 'Which lifteth up the waves there...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **He commandeth.**—Literally, *He speaks. *The Almighty fiat, as in Genesis 1.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse vividly describes the storm's terror. 'They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths' depicts waves lifting ships skyward then plunging to troughs—roller-coaster motion. 'Their soul is melted because of trouble' uses <em>moog</em> (מוּג), meaning to dissolve, melt, or faint. Terror liquefies courage. This describes existential dread, not mere fear—facing death in uncontr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **They mount up.**—
“Tollimur in cœlum curvato gurgite, et idem
Subducta ad Manes imos desedimus unda.”
VIRGIL: *Æn. *iii. 564.
**Their soul is melted.**—The recollection of seasickness is the best comment on this and the next verse.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. are: Heb. all their wisdom is swallowed up
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing sailors' extremity. 'They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man' depicts inability to stand as the ship pitches wildly. The comparison to drunkenness emphasizes loss of control and coordination. 'And are at their wits' end' translates <em>kol chakhmah titbala</em> (כָּל־חָכְמָתָם תִּתְבַּלָּע), literally 'all their wisdom is swallowed up'—their expertise, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Reel to and fro.**—Or more exactly, *spin round and round.*
**Are at their wit’s end.**—An admirable paraphrase of the Hebrew, “all their wisdom swalloweth itself up.” The poet, from the expressions employed, is possibly writing under the influence of Psalm 22:14; but he has evidently himself been to sea and experienced the dangers and discomforts he so graphically describes. Ovid (*Trist. ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse repeats the pattern (cf. vv. 6, 13, 19). 'Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble' shows that when mariners reach wits' end, they turn to God. Extremity drives prayer. 'And he bringeth them out of their distresses' uses <em>yatsa</em> (יָצָא), to bring out or deliver—exodus language. God rescues from the very distresses that drove them to cry out. The pattern's fourth repetition em...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Then they cry.**—There is a saying,
“Qui nescit orare, discat navigare.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's deliverance from storm. 'He maketh the storm a calm' shows instant transformation. 'Maketh' (<em>qum</em>, קוּם) means He causes to stand or establishes—He institutes calm. 'Storm' becomes 'calm' (<em>demamah</em>, דְּמָמָה), meaning silence, whisper, or stillness—the same word for 'still small voice' after Elijah's storm (1 Kings 19:12). 'So that the waves thereof are s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the aftermath of deliverance. 'Then are they glad because they be quiet' shows relief and joy after terror. 'Glad' (<em>samach</em>, שָׂמַח) means to rejoice, be joyful. 'Because they be quiet' (<em>shaqat</em>, שָׁקַט) means tranquil, at rest, undisturbed. The contrast between verses 26-27 (terror, melted souls, wits' end) and verse 30 (glad, quiet) is dramatic. Deliverance p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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KJV Study Commentary
This is the fourth and final occurrence of the refrain (see vv. 8, 15, 21). After the storm deliverance, it again summons thanksgiving. The repetition across all four scenarios (wilderness wandering, prison darkness, mortal sickness, ocean storm) emphasizes that every divine deliverance—regardless of type—merits the same response: praise for God's goodness and wonderful works. The liturgical struc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
40-41. There were ten temptations (Nu 14:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse expands the call to public praise. 'Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people' calls for corporate worship. 'Exalt' (<em>rum</em>, רוּם) means to lift up, raise high, or extol. 'Congregation' (<em>qahal</em>, קָהָל) is the assembly of God's people—Israel's gathered worship. 'And praise him in the assembly of the elders' adds leadership's role. 'Assembly' (<em>moshav</em>...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **Let them exalt.**—The addition of this to the refrain, as of 22 to that of the last stanza, clearly points to a liturgical use in the psalm.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
40-41. There were ten temptations (Nu 14:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-32**
Let those who go to sea, consider and adore the Lord. Mariners have their business upon the tempestuous ocean, and there witness deliverances of which others cannot form an idea. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray! This may remind us of the terrors and distress of conscience many experience, and of those deep scenes of trouble which many pass through, in their Christi...
Read full commentary →He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins a new section describing God's providence over nations and nature. 'He turneth rivers into a wilderness' shows divine control over geography and hydrology. 'Turneth' (<em>sum</em>, שׂוּם) means to set, make, or appoint. God transforms fertile river valleys into barren wasteland. 'And the watersprings into dry ground' continues the transformation from life to death, abundance to s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) The change in character and style of the psalm at this point is so marked as to suggest an addition by another hand. It is not only that the artistic form is dropped, and the series of vivid pictures, each closed by a refrain, succeeded by changed aspects of thought, but the language becomes harsher, and the poet, if the same, suddenly proclaims that he has exhausted his imagination.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. barrenness: Heb. saltiness
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing God's judgment on land. 'A fruitful land into barrenness' shows agricultural devastation. 'Fruitful' (<em>pri</em>, פְּרִי) means fruit-bearing, productive. 'Barrenness' (<em>melachah</em>, מְלֵחָה) means salt, salty waste—unproductive soil. 'For the wickedness of them that dwell therein' explains the cause: moral corruption brings environmental judgment. The land i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **Barrenness.**—Better, *a salt marsh, *as in LXX. and Vulg. (See Job 39:6.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**43. wrought--**set or held forth.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings .
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's restorative work, reversing verse 33. 'He turneth the wilderness into a standing water' shows transformation from barren to fertile. 'Wilderness' (<em>midbar</em>, מִדְבָּר) is desert wasteland. 'Standing water' (<em>agam mayim</em>, אֲגַם־מָיִם) is pool or lake—water source. 'And dry ground into watersprings' adds flowing water (<em>motsa mayim</em>, מוֹצָאֵי מָיִם), sp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **Standing water.**—Or, *a pool of water. *(See Isaiah 35:7; Isaiah 41:18-19; Isaiah 42:15.)
The dependence of this psalm on these passages in Isaiah is indubitable. But the images are employed in a different manner. The prophet only thinks of the joy of returning Israel (Psalm 107:39-41). But here the thought is that in the reverses of fortune, which even the chosen nation must be prepared f...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's purpose in restoration. 'And there he maketh the hungry to dwell' shows God places people in restored land. 'The hungry' are those in need, presumably exiles returning to desolation. 'That they may prepare a city for habitation' indicates settlement and civilization. 'Prepare' (<em>kun</em>, כּוּן) means to establish, make firm, or found. God restores land and settles pe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
45. The dog-fly or the mosquito.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes restored productivity. 'And sow the fields, and plant vineyards' indicates agricultural renewal. 'Sow' (<em>zara</em>, זָרַע) and 'plant' (<em>nata</em>, נָטַע) are cultivation verbs. 'Which may yield fruits of increase' shows productivity and abundance. 'Fruits of increase' (<em>pri tevuah</em>, פְּרִי תְבוּאָה) means productive harvest. Restored land bears fruit, reversing j...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**46. caterpillar--**the Hebrew name, from its voracity, and that of--
**locust--**from its multitude.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's blessing on restored community. 'He blesseth them also' shows divine favor actively bestowed. 'Blesseth' (<em>barak</em>, בָּרַךְ) means to kneel, bless, or make prosperous. 'So that they are multiplied greatly' indicates population growth—fulfilling Abrahamic covenant promises. 'And suffereth not their cattle to decrease' adds agricultural prosperity. 'Cattle' (<em>behe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
47-48. The additional effects of the storm here mentioned (compare Ex 9:23-34) are consistent with Moses' account.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes reversal of blessing through judgment. 'Again, they are minished and brought low' shows decrease after multiplication (v. 38). 'Minished' (<em>maat</em>, מָעַט) means to be or become small, few, diminished. 'Brought low' (<em>shachach</em>, שָׁחַח) means to be bowed down, humbled. 'Through oppression, affliction, and sorrow' lists causes: external pressure (<em>otser</em>, עֹצ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
47-48. The additional effects of the storm here mentioned (compare Ex 9:23-34) are consistent with Moses' account.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. wilderness: or, void place
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents a powerful reversal of fortunes through divine intervention. The Hebrew verb <strong>"poureth"</strong> (<em>shophek</em>) suggests an abundant, overflowing action—God lavishly pours out <strong>"contempt"</strong> (<em>buz</em>) upon the mighty. This word carries connotations of scorn and derision, showing that those who once commanded respect now receive shame.<br><br>The tar...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**49. evil angels--**or, "angels of evil"--many were perhaps employed, and other evils inflicted.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. from: or, after
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's restorative intervention for the oppressed. 'Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction' shows God lifting the humble. 'Setteth on high' (<em>sagab</em>, שָׂגַב) means to set in a secure, elevated place. 'The poor' (<em>evyon</em>, אֶבְיוֹן) are the needy, impoverished. 'And maketh him families like a flock' indicates multiplication and blessing. 'Families' (<em>mis...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(41) **Like a flock.**—This figure of a rapid increase of population is also borrowed from Job 21:11.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-51. made a way--**removed obstacles, gave it full scope.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes contrasting responses to God's works. 'The righteous shall see it, and rejoice' shows the godly respond to God's justice with joy. 'Righteous' (<em>yashar</em>, יָשָׁר) means upright, straight. 'Rejoice' (<em>samach</em>, שָׂמַח) means to be glad. Seeing God exalt the poor and judge wickedness produces rejoicing in those aligned with God's character. 'And all iniquity shall st...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(42) Again the dependence on the book of Job is seen. (See marginal reference.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-51. made a way--**removed obstacles, gave it full scope.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
Read full commentary →Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
This concluding verse summarizes the psalm's call. 'Whoso is wise, and will observe these things' identifies the audience: the wise who pay attention. 'Wise' (<em>chakam</em>, חָכָם) means skillful in living, not merely intellectual. 'Observe' (<em>shamar</em>, שָׁמַר) means to keep, guard, give heed to. 'Even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD' is the reward: comprehending God's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(43) The psalm ends in the style, and almost in the very words, of the prophecy of Hosea. (Comp. Hosea 14:9.)
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**52-54. made his ... forth--**or, brought them by periodical journeys (compare Ex 15:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 33-43**
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they a...
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