Psalm 107

It we again note the context of the section of Psalms we are in we see something interesting.  We have noted that these are historical, looking at history and seeing reasons to praise God.  Ps. 104 centers on Creation.  Ps. 105 sees God’s faithfulness in the covenant with Abraham through the time of Moses.  Ps. 106 sees God’s faithfulness during the wilderness wanderings and the first years in the land when Israel was regularly rebellious; God punished them but never failed to keep his covenant.  Now Ps. 107 sees God’s lovingkindness in the way that He redeemed Israel from her self-made afflictions. 

Israel would get herself in trouble by her foolishness and disobedience.  The specific situation in mind here is uncertain although it fits the return to the land after the Babylonian Exile.  In a repeated pattern the Psalmist 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).

Again, Psalm 106 called attention to God’s faithfulness in the face of Israel’s stubborn sinfulness.  He would not destroy them completely; He kept His word.  But what does it take for a holy God to have such a love for such sinful people?  The answer is that it takes lovingkindness.  And for a holy God to do this He 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 should have many reasons for praise!