Psalms 107:1
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just a general call to praise; it's a direct invitation to the "redeemed of the Lord" to declare His goodness. The powerful phrase "steadfast love endures forever" isn't just a nice sentiment, but the very foundation for why God's people, especially those delivered from hardship, should continually give thanks.
This Psalm opens with a call for all people, especially those God has redeemed from captivity and hardship, to offer thanks. It sets the stage for recounting specific instances of God's deliverance for those lost, sick, or facing perilous journeys, highlighting His consistent goodness and enduring love throughout all human experience.
Ever wonder if God's praise is just for a select few? This Psalm opens wide the doors!
This isn't just a private thought for a select group; it's a grand, public invitation. While the phrase "Oh give thanks to the LORD" echoes another Psalm (106:1) addressed specifically to the people of Israel, here it seems to expand. The scholars note it's a call to "all mankind" and "all nations." It's God's goodness and steadfast love that are the reasons for thanks, and these are realities experienced by everyone, not just one nation. This Psalm, with its focus on deliverance from various troubles, is meant to show that God's merciful providence reaches far beyond a single people.
What's the most compelling reason to thank God? It boils down to two essential truths.
The verse gives us two core reasons for offering thanks: first, "for he is good," and second, "for his steadfast love endures forever." These aren't just abstract ideas; they are foundational to understanding God's very nature and His actions. "Goodness" describes His inherent character – He is the source of all that is good. "Steadfast love" (sometimes translated as mercy or kindness) is the active expression of that goodness, a loyal, covenantal love that never gives up. It's this unchanging, active love flowing from His perfect goodness that forms the bedrock of our faith and the reason for our unending praise.
While everyone is invited to thank God, there's a special song for those who have been rescued.
The verse calls out, "Let the redeemed say so." Who are these redeemed? The context of Psalm 107 suggests those who have experienced God's deliverance from dire circumstances – captivity, dangerous journeys, or desperate situations. This isn't just about physical rescue; it speaks to a deeper spiritual reality. It's those who have been "redeemed from the hand of the enemy" and "gathered out of the lands." For those who have known the darkness of sin and the grip of spiritual enemies, and have been brought into the light and freedom of God's kingdom, their praise carries a unique depth and resonance. Their "aha moment" of salvation makes their song of thanks all the more profound.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term (hesed) that describes God's covenantal loyalty, unfailing kindness, and devoted love toward His people, which persists regardless of their failures.
Psalm 107, beginning with this powerful call to praise, resonates deeply with the experience of the Judean exiles returning from Babylon. The 'steadfast love' mentioned is not just a theological concept but a lived reality for those gathered back to their homeland after decades of displacement and suffering, offering a tangible reason to give thanks.
c. 627 BC
Jeremiah's Ministry Begins
Jeremiah prophesies in Judah, proclaiming God's faithfulness and calling for repentance, often in the face of national decline and impending exile. This period sets a backdrop for understanding God's enduring mercy even amidst judgment.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many of Judah's elite to Babylon. This marks a significant step towards the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar utterly destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This is a devastating event for the people of Israel, marking the end of their kingdom.
c. 539 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
This verse is identical to the beginning of Psalm 106, suggesting it's a foundational declaration of praise that echoes throughout Israel's history and, as Psalm 107 expands, for all of humanity.
Jeremiah 33:11This prophecy anticipates the very words of Psalm 107:1, linking the joyful shouts of thanksgiving for God's goodness and enduring mercy to a future restoration and hope.
1 Chronicles 16:34This passage directly echoes Psalm 107:1, showing the ancient and consistent call for God's people to offer thanks for His unfailing, steadfast love.
Isaiah 63:7This verse speaks of 'steadfast love' and God's 'great goodness' toward the house of Israel, resonating with the core message of Psalm 107:1 and highlighting God's consistent character.
1 Corinthians 15:57Paul uses this verse to emphasize the victory believers have in Christ, attributing this triumph to God who gives the victory, a powerful testament to His goodness and enduring mercy mentioned in Psalm 107:1.
bensonPsalms 107:1: "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalm 107:1-3 . O give thanks, &c. — This whole verse occurs also Psalm 106:1 ; only there the address is made to the Israelites, here, it seems, to all mankind. For his mercy endureth for ever — “Eternal mercy is the theme here proposed; and they who have tasted its sweets, are invited to join in setting forth its praises.” Let the redeemed say so — All those whom God hath redeemed, as it is expressed…
clarkePsalms 107:1: "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
O give thanks - Here is a duty prescribed; and the reasons of it are immediately laid down. 1. He is good. This is his nature. 2. His mercy endureth for ever. This is the stream that flows from the fountain of his goodness.
This verse isn't just a general call to praise; it's a direct invitation to the "redeemed of the Lord" to declare His goodness. The powerful phrase "steadfast love endures forever" isn't just a nice sentiment, but the very foundation for why God's people, especially those delivered from hardship, should continually give thanks.
This Psalm opens with a call for all people, especially those God has redeemed from captivity and hardship, to offer thanks. It sets the stage for recounting specific instances of God's deliverance for those lost, sick, or facing perilous journeys, highlighting His consistent goodness and enduring love throughout all human experience.
This Psalm opens with a call for all people, especially those God has redeemed from captivity and hardship, to offer thanks. It sets the stage for recounting specific instances of God's deliverance for those lost, sick, or facing perilous journeys, highlighting His consistent goodness and enduring love throughout all human experience.
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c. 538 BC - 516 BC— this verse
Return from Exile and Temple Reconstruction
Many Judeans return to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. They begin the arduous process of rebuilding the city and the Second Temple, a journey filled with hardship and opposition.
c. 5th Century BC
Composition of Psalms 107
This Psalm, likely composed or compiled after the return from exile, reflects on God's faithfulness through the people's past experiences of distress and deliverance, including the Babylonian exile and return.
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" — This verse isn't just a general call to praise; it's a direct invitation to the "redeemed of the Lord" to declare His goodness. The powerful phrase "steadfast love endures forever" isn't just a nice…
