We have come to the last book of the Psalter. Throughout book five we seem to be dealing with later psalms — exilic and post-exilic. Only five of these forty-three psalms have a heading indicating a connection with David. The content and themes indicate a later period of history for most of the psalms in book five.
It seems likely that this psalm may be a post-exilic psalm, but that is not certain and does not greatly affect the interpretation. Psalm 107 is simple, straightforward, and yet highly profound.
It opens with a statement of the psalm’s intent as an exhortation to praise (1-2). Then four typical examples are given of those who ought to praise the Lord.
- Those saved from being lost in the desert (4-9).
- Those saved from imprisonment (10-16).
- Those delivered from illness (17-22).
- Those kept safe from dangers on the sea (23-32).
The psalm then closes with general statements of the Lord’s goodness and calls on the reader to consider the steadfast love of the Lord (33-43).
The psalm is clear that some of those mentioned have brought their difficulties on themselves. On the other hand, some may have just been going about legitimate business and been caught in trouble not of their own making. Joshua and Caleb were leaving Egypt, and were personally faithful, but were caught up with the unfaithful majority as they wandered in the wilderness (4-9). Any returning exiles who had difficulty on the journey would naturally fit into this category as well. Sailors have their job to do (23-32) and face dangers associated with that job.
But in some of these cases the cause of the trouble is within the person (11, 17). If 107 is post-exilic, they needed to recognize their own national, if not personal, guilt as the cause of the exile. Amid troubles we need to recognize any way in which we have contributed to our situation and to confess our wrong.
We also need to recognize that the Lord’s willingness to save is not dependent on our being faultless. It is a comfort to know that some of those described in this psalm were at fault; yet they are saved.
Whether at fault or not, the turning point comes when they cry out to the Lord (6, 13, 19, 28). It is never suggested that any of these found the way out of the desert, escaped from prison, cured their own illness, or skilfully guided their ship to harbour. They were all saved by the grace of God.
The expected response to deliverance is praise (8, 15, 21 & 22, 31 & 32). Our story does not end with faith, repentance, and baptism. After these comes the life of praise. If the life of praise does not follow, it would appear that the person has not really acknowledged his sinfulness or the greatness of the Lord’s salvation.
43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.