This chapter, due to verses 2-3, has been interpreted as post-exilic that is when the Israelites were returning from the Babylonian Captivity. However, since all four directions are being referred to, it seems more appropriate to read this as the psalmist calling people from all directions of the earth to praise God.
Psalm 106 (see our study) retells the stories of God’s work in the Israelites in terms of discipline. Psalm 105 (see our study-research) details God’s blessing on the people. Both of these psalms refer to incidents found in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Psalm 107 refers to incidents of God’s deliverance outside of the Pentateuch narrative. It appears that the incidents are not historical for the writer but current events.
The structure of this psalm is provided in the refrain given in verses 1, 8, 15, 21, and 31. Each of these verses calls us to thank God for what He has done. It is marked by the Hebrew word “chesed” (חסד), which translates “loving-kindness.” This word will be studied at a later time and placed in this website. What follows these verses are a reason for gratitude or a command to continue to praise Him. This is also seen in the refrain of the people’s cry to God in verses 6, 13, 19, and 28.
Therefore, we can outline this psalm as follows:
- Verses 1-3-Introduction for all the people of God to thank God.
- Verses 4-9-Instructions for travelers to thank God for what He has done
- Verses 10-16-Instructions for prisoners to thank God for what He has done
- Verses 17-22-Instructions for those suffering to thank God for what He has done
A quick note on these verses, some use this paragraph to present God’s healing in the Bible of physical infirmities proclaiming that God heals all diseases (Spirit filled life study Bible [Ps 107:1]). However, this passage speaks of sickness due to sin, such as David’s in Psalm 32 and Psalm 51, not sickness in general. Although I do believe that God does heal, I do not believe this passage can be used as a proof-text.
- Verses 23-32-Instructions for sailors to thank God for what He has done
- Verses 33-43-Instructions for farmers to thank God for what He has done
The last refrain does not follow the pattern of the previous four causing some to wonder if it belongs in this psalm or should be one alone.
This psalm is calling all mankind to live in gratitude for what God has done. Look around at your life; what is God doing? If you say nothing, you don’t know God too well. He is always at work (John 5.16-18). It is the glory of man to find what He is doing and join Him in His activities. Notice His work and praise Him for it.