Psalms 107:1-3
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the verse is a well-known call to praise, the phrase "for his steadfast love endures forever" isn't just a poetic flourish; it's presented as the reason God is good, implying that His enduring kindness is the very essence of His goodness. This invitation to give thanks extends not just to Israel but, as the psalm unfolds, to all people, highlighting God's universal, unwavering mercy.
This psalm kicks off with a powerful call to worship, not just for Israel, but for all people, celebrating God's goodness and never-ending steadfast love. It sets the stage for recounting specific instances of God's deliverance, drawing from historical events like the Exodus and the return from Babylonian exile, and extending these themes to anyone facing hardship and rescue. The verses immediately following will detail the struggles of wanderers, captives, the sick, and sailors, all to highlight God's merciful intervention.
This isn't just a song for a select few. It's an open invitation, a rallying cry that echoes across time and borders.
Right from the start, Psalm 107 breaks from some other Psalms by casting a wide net. While many psalms focus on God's dealings with Israel specifically, this one calls out to "all mankind." The scholars note that this opening is similar to Psalm 106, but here, the address feels broader. It's a reminder that God's goodness and mercy aren't confined to one group of people. Whether you're an Israelite, a Gentile, or someone navigating life's complex journey, this invitation to give thanks is for you. It’s God’s mercy reaching out to everyone.
What's the driving force behind God's goodness? It's a love that doesn't flicker, fade, or fail.
The psalm gives us two core reasons for giving thanks: God is good, and His "steadfast love endures forever." This isn't just a fleeting feeling or a situational kindness. The original language speaks of a deep, loyal, covenant-making love – a kindness that is consistently there, no matter what. It's the bedrock of God's character. Even when we face trials, captivity, or confusion, this enduring love remains the constant reality. It's the powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances or our performance.
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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.
ga'al · Hebrew Verb
To buy back or rescue someone from slavery, debt, or captivity, typically through the payment of a price; in a biblical context, it refers to God saving His people from bondage, sin, or death.
qabats · Hebrew Verb
To bring together, collect, or assemble; often used of God regathering His people back to the Promised Land from exile and dispersion among the nations.
tsar · Hebrew Noun
A general term for distress, adversity, or affliction, frequently used to describe the trials God's people face or the judgment from which they need deliverance.
This psalm's opening call to give thanks directly echoes the experience of the people of God returning from the devastation of the Babylonian exile. The "steadfast love" of God is seen in His faithfulness to restore them, gathering them from their scattered state and bringing them back to their land and their God.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (the ten tribes) was conquered by Assyria, leading to the exile of many of its people. This event marked a significant loss of the Israelite population and a scattering of its people.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah and began deporting segments of the population, including some of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deported a larger group of Judeans to Babylon, including priests and craftsmen. This further disrupted Judah's society and economy.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and deporting the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. This was a catastrophic event for the Jewish people.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This paved the way for the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked the beginning of the return from the Babylonian exile and the restoration of Jewish community life.
This verse is a direct repetition from an earlier psalm, highlighting its importance as a foundational call to praise that resonates across different contexts within the Psalter.
Jeremiah 33:11This prophetic passage echoes the exact phrase 'Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for he is good; his love endures forever,' showing how this declaration of God's enduring love was a message God intended for His people throughout their history.
1 Chronicles 16:34This verse is another instance of this powerful refrain, linking the call to give thanks for God's goodness and steadfast love to the bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem, a moment of national celebration and reliance on God.
Ezra 3:10-11After returning from exile, the people sang this very song, demonstrating how the truth of God's enduring mercy provided comfort and a foundation for worship during times of rebuilding and remembrance.
Ephesians 5:18-20This New Testament passage encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, which naturally leads to singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, giving thanks to God the Father, thus showing the continuity of this thankful spirit throughout Scripture.
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.
While the verse is a well-known call to praise, the phrase "for his steadfast love endures forever" isn't just a poetic flourish; it's presented as the reason God is good, implying that His enduring kindness is the very essence of His goodness. This invitation to give thanks extends not just to Israel but, as the psalm unfolds, to all people, highlighting God's universal, unwavering mercy.
This psalm kicks off with a powerful call to worship, not just for Israel, but for all people, celebrating God's goodness and never-ending steadfast love. It sets the stage for recounting specific instances of God's deliverance, drawing from historical events like the Exodus and the return from Babylonian exile, and extending these themes to anyone facing hardship and rescue. The verses immediately following will detail the struggles of wanderers, captives, the sick, and sailors, all to highlight God's merciful intervention.
This psalm kicks off with a powerful call to worship, not just for Israel, but for all people, celebrating God's goodness and never-ending steadfast love. It sets the stage for recounting specific instances of God's deliverance, drawing from historical events like the Exodus and the return from Babylonian exile, and extending these themes to anyone facing hardship and rescue. The verses immediately following will detail the struggles of wanderers, captives, the sick, and sailors, all to highlight God's merciful intervention.
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the w…" — While the verse is a well-known call to praise, the phrase "for his steadfast love endures forever" isn't just a poetic flourish; it's presented as the reason God is good, implying that His endurin…
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