Psalms 107:36
And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to see this as just God providing food; but the verse emphasizes the action the hungry take: they establish a city. This highlights that God's provision isn't just about filling stomachs, but about empowering people to build lasting communities from nothing.
This passage comes after God's power is shown in turning deserts into fertile land and barren places into springs, a stark contrast to His judgment that can make fruitful lands barren. Here, we see the positive outcome: God settles those who were once starving and struggling in these newly abundant places, giving them the opportunity to build a thriving city for themselves.
Imagine being so hungry you'd do anything for a meal. This verse describes God taking people from that desperate place to a place of security and community.
This verse highlights God's direct intervention to meet fundamental needs. He doesn't just offer temporary relief; He establishes people. 'Maketh the hungry to dwell' signifies more than just feeding them; it's about giving them a place and stability where they can thrive. This transition from hunger to having a home, and then building a 'city,' shows God's power to transform desolate situations into flourishing communities. It's a profound picture of His care, moving people from a state of desperation to a place of belonging and purpose.
It's one thing for individuals to survive, but what does it mean when a whole community arises from barrenness?
The verse shows that God is not only the provider of individual needs but also the architect of community. He doesn't just give people food; He gives them land and opportunity to build a 'city.' This act of 'establishing a city' implies more than just shelter. It speaks to the creation of order, defense, and a shared life. It’s God empowering people to create something lasting, a place for future generations. This transformation, turning a place of hunger into a place of habitation and community, underscores God's grand design for human flourishing.
Understand the original words
ra'eb · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A state of physical or spiritual deprivation; in a biblical sense, it often describes the condition of those who realize their need for God's provision and righteousness.
This passage describes humanity's attempt to build a city and make a name for themselves, echoing the theme of establishing a dwelling place, though with a very different outcome than the divinely blessed settlement in Psalms.
Deuteronomy 8:7-10This passage highlights God's provision for Israel in the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, directly paralleling the idea of God establishing the hungry in a place where they can dwell and flourish.
Nehemiah 2:1-3Here, Nehemiah leads the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, a significant act of establishing a city after hardship. This shows a community working together to create a safe habitation, mirroring the spirit of Psalms 107:36.
Isaiah 35:6-7This prophetic passage describes a transformed desert where water springs forth, and the redeemed dwell. It paints a vivid picture of God's restorative power, turning barrenness into a place of habitation and sustenance, much like in Psalms 107.
Matthew 13:31-32Jesus uses the parable of the mustard seed growing into a large tree to illustrate the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. This connects to the idea of a small beginning (the hungry dwelling) leading to a larger, established community or 'city'.
pulpitPsalms 107:36: "And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;"
Verse 36. - And there he maketh the hungry to dwell. God gives the laud, which he has thus blessed, to some previously famishing people; as he did Canaan to Israel after they had had but scant fare in the wilderness. That they may prepare a city for habitation; literally, and they prepare. It is naturally their first thought to prepare themselves a settled dwelling-place (comp. Genesis 4:17; G…
gillPsalms 107:36: "And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;"
And there he maketh the hungry to dwell,.... In those fruitful places which they find agreeable to them, and so fix upon them as the places of their abode, and build houses, and dwell there; having all the conveniences of life, which they wanted elsewhere: so such as hunger and thirst after righteousness make to such places where the waters are, the word is preached, and ordinances administere…
It's easy to see this as just God providing food; but the verse emphasizes the action the hungry take: they establish a city. This highlights that God's provision isn't just about filling stomachs, but about empowering people to build lasting communities from nothing.
This passage comes after God's power is shown in turning deserts into fertile land and barren places into springs, a stark contrast to His judgment that can make fruitful lands barren. Here, we see the positive outcome: God settles those who were once starving and struggling in these newly abundant places, giving them the opportunity to build a thriving city for themselves.
This passage comes after God's power is shown in turning deserts into fertile land and barren places into springs, a stark contrast to His judgment that can make fruitful lands barren. Here, we see the positive outcome: God settles those who were once starving and struggling in these newly abundant places, giving them the opportunity to build a thriving city for themselves.
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"And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;" — It's easy to see this as just God providing food; but the verse emphasizes the action the hungry take: they establish a city. This highlights that God's provision isn't just about filling stomach…
