Psalm 107:41-42
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The surprising insight here is that God's care for the afflicted isn't just about rescuing them, but about establishing them. He doesn't just pull them out of hardship; he then makes their families numerous and stable, like a thriving flock, signifying a restored and growing community.
but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm celebrates God's deliverance of his people through various crises, contrasting His actions with the downfall of oppressors. Following descriptions of God humbling proud princes and causing them to wander, this verse pivots to highlight God's grace toward the afflicted, showing His power to lift them from their suffering and bring them abundant increase.
When life feels overwhelming and you're stuck in hardship, it's easy to feel forgotten. But the Psalmist reminds us that God's attention is keenly focused on those in distress.
This verse highlights God's active intervention on behalf of the vulnerable. "He sets the needy on high from affliction." This isn't just about a temporary reprieve; it's about being lifted out of the very circumstances that caused their suffering. Imagine being rescued from a deep pit and placed on solid ground, safe and secure. This is the picture painted here – a God who sees the plight of the afflicted and powerfully elevates them, delivering them from their difficult situations.
Beyond individual rescue, this verse speaks to the flourishing of families. What does it mean for a family to thrive like a flock?
The imagery of families becoming "like flocks" points to growth, security, and abundance. Just as a shepherd cares for his flock, ensuring they are fed, protected, and multiply, God promises to care for the families He has rescued. This means not only an increase in numbers but also a sense of belonging, safety, and well-being. It speaks to God's desire for His people to be fruitful and to live in community, flourishing under His watchful eye.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
ebhyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to those who are in a state of poverty, weakness, or helplessness, often turning to God for deliverance because they have no other recourse. Biblically, the needy are the special objects of God's care and compassion.
oni · Hebrew Noun
A state of distress, trouble, or suffering, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. In the Bible, affliction is often permitted by God to humble His people and lead them to repentance and dependence upon Him.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to those who are morally straight, righteous, or blameless before God. In the wisdom literature and Psalms, the upright are characterized by their adherence to God's law and their pursuit of His ways.
awlah · Hebrew Noun
General term for unrighteousness, injustice, or moral perversion. It represents thoughts or actions that are contrary to God's character and His revealed will for humanity.
This psalm likely reflects on the cyclical experiences of God's people, from destruction and exile to return and rebuilding, culminating in God's faithfulness to exalt the needy and grow their families even amidst hardship and opposition.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens of Judah are exiled to Babylon, marking a significant blow to the nation's leadership and populace.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population to Babylon, leaving the land desolate.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus the Great's Decree
The Persian king Cyrus allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, initiating the return from Babylonian captivity.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, a symbol of restored worship and community, though many exiles chose to remain in Babylon.
c. 458-432 BC— this verse
Reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra and Nehemiah lead further waves of returnees and implement religious and social reforms, facing significant challenges in re-establishing Jewish life in Jerusalem.
This passage echoes the theme of God exalting the humble, specifically mentioning how God 'raises the poor from the dust' and 'lifts the needy from the garbage heap,' mirroring Psalm 107's portrayal of God elevating the afflicted.
Luke 1:52-53Mary's Magnificat directly reflects this idea by stating, 'He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty,' highlighting God's role in reversing fortunes and uplifting the lowly.
Job 42:10After Job's immense suffering, the text states that 'the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before,' illustrating God's power to raise someone from affliction and multiply their blessings, much like the 'families like flocks' in the psalm.
Matthew 13:15Jesus quotes Isaiah when describing how the people's hearts had become dull, but this verse in Psalms speaks to God's restorative power that can bring life and fruitfulness back to barrenness, as if turning a desert into a pool.
pulpitPsalms 107:41: "Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock."
Verse 41. - Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction. Even in such dread calamities, when a whole nation is punished, God's providence protects the poor and needy - not of course in all, but still in very many, cases. The mower's scythe passes over the humblest flowers. And maketh him families like a flock (setup. Job 21:11). Those whom God thus preserves he collects into "families," a…
gillPsalms 107:41: "Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock."
Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction,.... On the other hand, the Lord sometimes exalteth men of low degree, raiseth men of mean extract and parentage, who have made a poor figure in life, to high places of honour, free from adversity and distress; as David from the sheepfold, and from following the ewes great with young, to be king of Israel. This may be applied to the saints and p…
The surprising insight here is that God's care for the afflicted isn't just about rescuing them, but about establishing them. He doesn't just pull them out of hardship; he then makes their families numerous and stable, like a thriving flock, signifying a restored and growing community.
This psalm celebrates God's deliverance of his people through various crises, contrasting His actions with the downfall of oppressors. Following descriptions of God humbling proud princes and causing them to wander, this verse pivots to highlight God's grace toward the afflicted, showing His power to lift them from their suffering and bring them abundant increase.
This psalm celebrates God's deliverance of his people through various crises, contrasting His actions with the downfall of oppressors. Following descriptions of God humbling proud princes and causing them to wander, this verse pivots to highlight God's grace toward the afflicted, showing His power to lift them from their suffering and bring them abundant increase.
"but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth." — The surprising insight here is that God's care for the afflicted isn't just about rescuing them, but about establishing them. He doesn't just pull them out of hardship; he then makes their families…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
