33 He turns rivers into a desert,
water springs into a thirsty ground, 34 and a fruitful land into a salt waste,
for the wickedness of those who dwell in it. 35 He turns a desert into a pool of water,
and a dry land into water springs. 36 There he makes the hungry live,
that they may prepare a city to live in, 37 sow fields, plant vineyards,
and reap the fruits of increase. 38 He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly.
He doesn’t allow their livestock to decrease. 39 Again, they are diminished and bowed down
through oppression, trouble, and sorrow. 40 He pours contempt on princes,
and causes them to wander in a trackless waste. 41 Yet he lifts the needy out of their affliction,
and increases their families like a flock. 42 The upright will see it, and be glad.
All the wicked will shut their mouths. 43 Whoever is wise will pay attention to these things.
They will consider the loving kindnesses of Yahweh.
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.