Psalms 107
Give Thanks, For He Redeems
Overview
Psalm 107 celebrates God as the Redeemer who rescues people from four desperate situations—wandering, imprisonment, sickness, and storms—calling all the redeemed to give thanks.
Introduction
Psalm 107 opens Book V of the Psalter with a powerful call to thanksgiving. It describes four groups of people in desperate circumstances—wanderers in the desert, prisoners in darkness, those sick from sin, and sailors in storms—all crying out to God and all delivered by His steadfast love. The refrain "Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love" [8, 15, 21, 31] structures this psalm of redemption.
The Call to the Redeemed
[1-3] "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so" [1-2]. Those whom God has gathered "from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south" [3] are summoned to testify of His salvation.
- Let the redeemed say so [2]: Gratitude demands verbal expression
- Gathered from all directions [3]: God's redemption reaches everywhere
Wanderers in the Wilderness
[4-9] The first group wandered in desert wastes, finding no city to dwell in. "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them" [5]. Then they cried to the LORD, and "he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in" [6-7]. For the hungry, "he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things" [9].
Prisoners in Darkness
[10-16] Others "sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons" [10]. Why? "For they had rebelled against the words of God" [11]. Their hearts were bowed down through hard labor. But when they cried out, "he brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart" [14]. He "shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron" [16].
Fools Made Sick by Sin
[17-22] "Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction" [17]. They "loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death" [18]. When they cried out, "he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction" [20]. The proper response? "Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving" [22].
- Fools through sinful ways [17]: Sin leads to suffering
- He sent out his word and healed [20]: God's word has power to restore
Sailors in the Storm
[23-32] Those who go down to the sea witnessed God's works in the deep. He commanded and "raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea" [25]. The sailors "reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end" [27]. When they cried out, "he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven" [29-30].
The God Who Transforms
[33-43] This God turns rivers into desert and springs into thirsty ground when judgment comes [33-34], but also turns desert into pools of water for the hungry [35-36]. He blesses the righteous but brings princes low. "Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD" [43].
Key Takeaways
- Cry out in desperation [6, 13, 19, 28]: God responds to humble cries for help
- Give thanks for deliverance [8, 15, 21, 31]: Gratitude is the right response to redemption
- Sin leads to suffering [11, 17]: Much trouble comes from our own rebellion
- God transforms circumstances [33-38]: He has power to completely reverse situations
Reflection Questions
- Which of the four situations (wandering, imprisoned, sick, storm-tossed) best describes a season you've experienced?
- How has God delivered you, and have you adequately thanked Him?
- What does it mean to "consider the steadfast love of the LORD" in your daily life?
Pause and Reflect
"Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!" — Psalm 107:8
Take 5 minutes to recall a time when you cried out to God from desperation and He answered. Speak your thanks out loud. Let the redeemed say so.
This Bible study was written by Claude AI to help you engage with God's Word while our team prepares in-depth studies. We believe Scripture speaks for itself, and we hope this serves as a helpful starting point for your study.