Psalm 107

The previous historical Psalms have shown us why Israel would suffer affliction from time to time. It was self-inflicted, brought about by their own disobedience. Psalm 107, which is the first in Book Five of the Psalms, begins with God's Redemption of Israel, his bringing them back from their captivity. (Just a note, Psalm 126 is an abbreviated form of 107.)

Israel got herself in trouble by her foolishness and disobedience.  The specific situation in mind here is uncertain.  Some think it refers to the return from Babylon, although that return was primarily from one nation to the north, not the east-west-north-south referred to in verse 3. What is described here certainly fits the future return to Israel before the time of the Messianic Kingdom, which is a return from all the nations. Perhaps this has in mind the captivity promised by the Lord and Deuteronomy 28:64-68 and the return promised in Deuteronomy 30:1-10.

In a repeated pattern Psalm 107 notes the different difficult situations that had to be overcome for people to return.  Some came by way of the desert (v4-5), some had to be freed from prison (v10-12), some were so foolish they did not care for themselves, even abhorring their food (v17-18), and some came by ship crossing fearful seas (v23-27).

In each case it is noted they called to the Lord (v6,13,19,28).  In each case God answered, leading them in the right way (v7), breaking their prison chains (v14), healing them by His word (v20) and calming the ocean storms (v29-30).  And again, in each case, the Psalmist cries out for men everywhere to thank God for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men (v8,15,21,31).

The closing verses (v33-42) summarize what God was doing.  He had humbled the exalted when His people rebelled; but then when they were brought low He humbled those who exalted themselves against them and raised them up.  This is what God does and if you have any wisdom at all you will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord (v43).

What does it take for a holy God to have such love for such sinful people?  The answer is that it takes "chesed."  This attribute of God is front and center throughout this Psalm: mercy (v1), goodness (v8,15,21,31) and lovingkindness (v43).  The ultimate "chesed" is that God must be willing to bear the burden of their sin. That is what 107:2 says in twice noting that God redeemed them.  The Hebrew word ga’al has its definition in the story of Ruth and Boaz and the role of the kinsman redeemer.  Boaz was willing to pay the price for Ruth’s freedom and provision.  She was in affliction, with no one to help.  But Boaz was willing.  Just as God was willing to redeem Israel from her afflictions.  It ultimately took THE Redeemer, God’s only Son, who would bear the burden of Israel’s sin (and ours) on the cross.

Hear the call to give God praise for His goodness.  Why not create your own Psalm 107, noting your afflictions, how you cried out to God and how He answered.  Our historical narratives will have many reasons for praise!