Psalms 107:21-22
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just a general call to praise, but a specific invitation to thank God not only for His enduring "steadfast love," but also for His "wondrous works." It highlights that His active deeds on our behalf are just as worthy of our thanks as His constant character. This is a call to notice and celebrate both who God is and what God does.
This section of Psalm 107 is a series of reflections on God's deliverance of His people from various troubles, beginning with those lost in the wilderness, then captives, followed by the sick, and finally sailors in a storm. Each narrative of distress and rescue is meant to elicit thanksgiving, leading to this verse which serves as a powerful, repeated call for people to acknowledge and praise God for His enduring love and miraculous works throughout human history.
The psalm doesn't just ask for thanks; it tells us why. It highlights two essential aspects of God’s character that deserve our constant praise.
The Steadfast Love of God
This isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's a deep, unwavering commitment. It's God's faithful love that never gives up on us, even when we stumble. Think of it as a bedrock of loyalty that underpins everything He does.
His Wondrous Works
These are the extraordinary acts of God – the moments when His power and grace break into our lives in ways that leave us in awe. They are the miracles, big and small, that testify to His active presence and His care for humanity.
The verse isn't just a suggestion; it's a passionate plea! It implies that our praise should be a powerful, active response to who God is.
An Earnest Plea
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The phrase "Let them thank" carries a strong sense of desire, almost an exclamation. It's as if the psalmist is bursting with the need for people to recognize and respond to God's goodness. This isn't passive agreement; it's an urgent call to action.
A Response to God's Character
Our thanksgiving isn't just about counting blessings. It's a direct response to God's inherent character – His steadfast love and His amazing deeds. When we thank Him, we are acknowledging His attributes and His actions on our behalf, declaring that He is worthy of all praise.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term emphasizing God’s covenantal loyalty, mercy, and unfailing kindness that transcends mere duty. It describes the consistent, faithful love God shows to His people despite their unworthiness.
pele' · Hebrew Noun
Refers to miraculous, extraordinary, or incomprehensible acts performed by God that manifest His power and sovereign authority over creation.
adam · Hebrew Noun
A literal reference to human beings as descendants of Adam; it underscores the common, fragile, and earthly nature of humanity before God.
zebach todah · Hebrew Noun phrase
A ritual act of gratitude presented to God, recognizing that He is the ultimate provider and deliverer; it is a response to His grace.
rinnah · Hebrew Noun
Exultant, vocal expressions of happiness or praise, often used in corporate worship to celebrate God's victory and character.
While Psalm 107 speaks of God's deliverance in various challenging situations, its placement and themes resonate deeply with the experience of the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile, celebrating God's enduring love and His wondrous works in bringing them back to their homeland and restoring their community.
c. 538 BC— this verse
Return from Babylonian Exile
The Jewish people began returning from their seventy-year exile in Babylon, a monumental event signifying God's restoration and faithfulness to His promises.
c. 515 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
The completion and dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem marked a significant step in re-establishing Jewish worship and national identity after the exile.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission to Jerusalem
Ezra the scribe returned to Jerusalem with a group of exiles, focusing on religious reform and teaching the Law of Moses to the returned community.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah's Return and Wall Reconstruction
Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, facing significant opposition, which symbolized the physical and spiritual restoration of the city.
This passage echoes the call to thanksgiving for God's steadfast love and faithfulness, mirroring the sentiment in Psalm 107:21 that these works are directed towards humanity.
Luke 17:15-19This New Testament account highlights the importance of returning thanks for miraculous healing, a specific 'wondrous work' of God's goodness, just as Psalm 107:21 calls for.
1 Chronicles 16:34This verse directly parallels the call to 'give thanks to the LORD' for His goodness and works, reinforcing the central theme of grateful recognition found in Psalm 107:21.
Romans 11:33-36This passage expresses profound awe at God's wisdom and unfathomable works, aligning with the wonder and praise called for in Psalm 107:21 regarding God's mysterious and merciful dealings with humanity.
poolePsalms 107:21: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
No text from Poole on this verse.
cambridgePsalms 107:21: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
21, 22 . Let them give thanks to Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the sons of men: And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of his works with glad singing. Here and in Psalm 107:32 the call to thanksgiving is amplified, instead of a reason for it being assigned as in Psalm 107:9; Psalm 107:16 . Cp. Jeremiah 33:11 .
The verse isn't just a general call to praise, but a specific invitation to thank God not only for His enduring "steadfast love," but also for His "wondrous works." It highlights that His active deeds on our behalf are just as worthy of our thanks as His constant character. This is a call to notice and celebrate both who God is and what God does.
This section of Psalm 107 is a series of reflections on God's deliverance of His people from various troubles, beginning with those lost in the wilderness, then captives, followed by the sick, and finally sailors in a storm. Each narrative of distress and rescue is meant to elicit thanksgiving, leading to this verse which serves as a powerful, repeated call for people to acknowledge and praise God for His enduring love and miraculous works throughout human history.
This section of Psalm 107 is a series of reflections on God's deliverance of His people from various troubles, beginning with those lost in the wilderness, then captives, followed by the sick, and finally sailors in a storm. Each narrative of distress and rescue is meant to elicit thanksgiving, leading to this verse which serves as a powerful, repeated call for people to acknowledge and praise God for His enduring love and miraculous works throughout human history.
"Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!" — The verse isn't just a general call to praise, but a specific invitation to thank God not only for His enduring "steadfast love," but also for His "wondrous works." It highlights that His active deed…
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