33 He changes rivers into a wilderness And springs of water into a thirsty ground ; 34 A fruitful land into a salt waste , Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it. 35 He changes a wilderness into a pool of water And a dry land into springs of water ; 36 And there He makes the hungry to dwell , So that they may establish an inhabited city , 37 And sow fields and plant vineyards , And gather a fruitful harvest . 38 Also He blesses them and they multiply greatly , And He does not let their cattle decrease . 39 When they are diminished and bowed down Through oppression , misery and sorrow , 40 He pours contempt upon princes And makes them wander in a pathless e waste . 41 But He sets the needy securely on high away from affliction , And makes his families like a flock . 42 The upright see it and are glad ; But all unrighteousness shuts its mouth . 43 Who is wise ? Let him give heed to these things , And consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 107:33-43
Commentary on Psalm 107:33-43
(Read Psalm 107:33-43)
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they are aware, lose it again. God has many ways of making men poor. The righteous shall rejoice. It shall fully convince all those who deny the Divine Providence. When sinners see how justly God takes away the gifts they have abused, they will not have a word to say. It is of great use to us to be fully assured of God's goodness, and duly affected with it. It is our wisdom to mind our duty, and to refer our comfort to him. A truly wise person will treasure in his heart this delightful psalm. From it, he will fully understand the weakness and wretchedness of man, and the power and loving-kindness of God, not for our merit, but for his mercy's sake.