39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow,
39 But abuse and evil and trouble declined
39 When they are diminished and brought low Through oppression, affliction and sorrow,
39 When they decrease in number and become impoverished through oppression, trouble, and sorrow,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 107:39
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.