And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read this as simply God providing food and shelter. But notice the active word "establish" – it's not just that they find a city, but that they build it. This shows God doesn't just rescue us from need, but empowers us to create lasting, thriving communities from scarcity.
And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse continues the psalm's description of God's powerful acts, contrasting barren wildernesses with fertile lands. Having described how God transforms deserts into springs and dry lands into pools, the focus shifts to the people who benefit from this transformation, allowing the hungry and destitute to settle and build a community. This leads into further descriptions of their prosperity through agriculture and continued blessing.
Ever feel like you're in a 'desert' – lacking, struggling, with little hope of growth? This psalm paints a vivid picture of God’s ability to radically change circumstances.
From Desert to Dwelling
The psalm is a testament to God’s sovereign power over creation and human circumstances. In verses 33-35, it describes God turning rivers into deserts and springs into dry land, but then, in a powerful reversal, transforming deserts into pools of water and barren lands into springs.
This isn't just about weather patterns; it’s about God’s ability to bring life and provision where there was none. He takes desolate, unproductive places and makes them sources of life and sustenance. This is a divine work that defies natural explanation, showcasing God’s unique power to renew and restore.
When God meets our deepest needs, it’s not just to give us comfort, but to empower us for greater purpose. This verse shows us the 'why' behind His provision.
The Purpose of Provision
The verse states that God makes the hungry dwell 'and they establish a city to live in.' This implies that God’s provision isn't just a temporary fix; it's the foundation for future growth and stability.
When people are no longer consumed by the daily struggle for survival, they are freed up to build, to organize, and to create lasting communities. They can 'prepare a city for habitation' – a place of security, fellowship, and purpose. God's provision enables human industry and community building. It’s the transition from mere existence to a life of meaningful establishment.
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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 shows people establishing a city together, much like the verse describes, but it highlights their human ambition rather than God's provision.
Deuteronomy 8:10-12This passage warns the Israelites not to forget God when they are well-fed and living in prosperous cities, mirroring the potential outcome of the 'hungry' finding abundance and settling.
Nehemiah 2:3Nehemiah's plea to rebuild Jerusalem is driven by the city's desolation and the people's distress, showing the hope of establishing a city for dwelling after a period of hardship.
Isaiah 58:12This prophecy speaks of those who restore ruins and build cities, connecting the act of establishing a city with divine blessing and restoration after times of desolation.
Matthew 13:44-46Jesus uses parables of hidden treasure and valuable pearls to describe the immense worth of God's kingdom, echoing the preciousness of finding a place to dwell and thrive after hunger and need.
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 read this as simply God providing food and shelter. But notice the active word "establish" – it's not just that they find a city, but that they build it. This shows God doesn't just rescue us from need, but empowers us to create lasting, thriving communities from scarcity.
This verse continues the psalm's description of God's powerful acts, contrasting barren wildernesses with fertile lands. Having described how God transforms deserts into springs and dry lands into pools, the focus shifts to the people who benefit from this transformation, allowing the hungry and destitute to settle and build a community. This leads into further descriptions of their prosperity through agriculture and continued blessing.
This verse continues the psalm's description of God's powerful acts, contrasting barren wildernesses with fertile lands. Having described how God transforms deserts into springs and dry lands into pools, the focus shifts to the people who benefit from this transformation, allowing the hungry and destitute to settle and build a community. This leads into further descriptions of their prosperity through agriculture and continued blessing.
"And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;" — It's easy to read this as simply God providing food and shelter. But notice the active word "establish" – it's not just that they find a city, but that they build it. This shows God doesn't just…
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Last reviewed October 2026