Seder 8: Psalm 107---A Call to Give Thanks

Psalm 107 is a Psalm of thanksgiving.  The first three verses imply that it was written after the return of some Israelites from exile.  Verses 2-3 urge those to give thanks whom God has "gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south" (ESV). 

A few verses earlier, in Psalm 106:47, there is a prayer:  "Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise."  Psalm 107:1-3 suggests that this prayer was answered.

Psalm 107 praises God's "wondrous works to the children of man'' (v. 8) including

• guiding those lost in the wilderness (vv 4-9);
• freeing prisoners who cry to him for help (vv 10-16)
• healing the sick (vv 17-22)
• protecting those who go to sea (vv 23-32).

The implication is that no place or situation is beyond the scope of God's love. 

The psalm calls upon those whom God has rescued to "extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders" (v. 32).  And it advises us to consider and learn from the many examples of God's steadfast love so that we will grow in wisdom and faith (v 43).

One verse in this psalm (verse 9) is quoted in the New Testament, in Luke 1:53, where Mary testifies, "He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty."  Mary praises God for raising up the lowly and judging those who exalt themselves, as this Psalm does in vv 33-42. 

Verses 23-32 remind us of Jesus' calming a storm (Matt 8:23-27).  We think of Noah as an example of one rescued by God who then proceeds to give thanks (Gen 8:20-22).