Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just a general call to praise, but specifically urges those who have experienced God's deliverance to give thanks. It highlights that God's "wonderful works" are performed for "the children of men"—a term that includes everyone, even the unworthy, demonstrating a profound and universal kindness beyond any single group.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse serves as a recurring refrain within Psalm 107, calling for thanks after recounting specific instances of God's deliverance. It directly follows the vivid description of those lost in the wilderness, suffering from thirst and hunger, only to be miraculously guided and satisfied by God. The exhortation to praise is thus tied to the immediate experience of rescue and provision, urging those who have been helped to give thanks for God's unfailing love and amazing acts for all people.
The verse doesn't just suggest praise, it expresses a deep yearning for it. What makes God's actions so compelling that they demand a response of gratitude?
Psalms 107:8 opens with a powerful exhortation, often translated as "Oh that men would praise the LORD." This isn't just a suggestion, but a fervent wish, an expression of how deeply God deserves our praise.
A Duty and a Desire
God's incredible deeds aren't just for a select few. This verse reminds us that His "wondrous works" extend to everyone. What does this broad scope mean for us?
The psalm emphasizes that God's "wondrous works" are performed "to the children of man." This phrase is significant because it broadens the scope of God's actions beyond just His chosen people.
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Goodness for Everyone
Understand the original words
hesed · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word 'hesed' refers to God's loyal, covenantal, and unfailing love; it is an active, sacrificial commitment that persists despite the unworthiness of the recipient.
pele' · Hebrew Noun
Refers to miraculous, extraordinary, or incomprehensible acts performed by God that display His power, sovereignty, and grace in history.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The physical or spiritual core of a person; it represents the seat of appetite, desire, passion, and the fundamental thirst for life and God.
Psalm 107's call to thankfulness is deeply rooted in Israel's collective memory of God's faithfulness through periods of exile and miraculous return, highlighting His "steadfast love" not just for individuals, but for His covenant people through history.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are miraculously delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt, a pivotal event involving God's "wonderful works" and "steadfast love."
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David establishes Jerusalem as the capital, a time of relative peace and prosperity, allowing for the flourishing of temple worship and psalmody.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered and its people exiled, a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and God's judgment.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed by the Babylonians, and the people of Judah are exiled. This event deeply shapes the theology and literature of the Old Testament.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
c. 520 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple
Under Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest, the second Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem after the return from exile.
Date unknown, post-exilic period— this verse
Composition of Psalm 107
Psalm 107, likely composed after the return from Babylonian exile, recounts various instances of God's deliverance and calls for thanksgiving, using a refrain that emphasizes God's goodness and wondrous works.
This passage speaks of attributing greatness to God, just as Psalm 107 calls us to thank Him for His great and wonderful works.
1 Chronicles 16:8This verse is a direct call to 'Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples,' echoing the spirit of thanking the LORD for His works mentioned in Psalm 107.
Psalm 111:2This verse highlights that 'Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them,' which directly supports the idea in Psalm 107:8 that God's works are wonderful and worthy of praise.
Isaiah 25:1This passage declares, 'O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things,' showing a similar heartfelt praise for God's wondrous actions.
1 John 4:9-10This New Testament passage reveals the ultimate expression of God's steadfast love and wondrous works through the sending of His Son, providing a profound theological basis for our praise.
bensonPsalms 107:8: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
Psalm 107:8-9 . O that men would praise — Hebrew, let them praise, or, they shall praise, that is, they are highly obliged to praise. It is meant chiefly of those whom God has graciously relieved. The Lord for his goodness — To them in particular; and for his wonderful works to the children of men — To others, as well as to themselves; and to the children of men, as well as to…
poolePsalms 107:8: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
Oh that men would praise! Heb. Let them praise . Or, They shall praise , i.e. they are highly obliged to praise. To the children of men; not only to his peculiar people, but to all mankind, to whom he is very kind and bountiful.
The verse isn't just a general call to praise, but specifically urges those who have experienced God's deliverance to give thanks. It highlights that God's "wonderful works" are performed for "the children of men"—a term that includes everyone, even the unworthy, demonstrating a profound and universal kindness beyond any single group.
This verse serves as a recurring refrain within Psalm 107, calling for thanks after recounting specific instances of God's deliverance. It directly follows the vivid description of those lost in the wilderness, suffering from thirst and hunger, only to be miraculously guided and satisfied by God. The exhortation to praise is thus tied to the immediate experience of rescue and provision, urging those who have been helped to give thanks for God's unfailing love and amazing acts for all people.
This verse serves as a recurring refrain within Psalm 107, calling for thanks after recounting specific instances of God's deliverance. It directly follows the vivid description of those lost in the wilderness, suffering from thirst and hunger, only to be miraculously guided and satisfied by God. The exhortation to praise is thus tied to the immediate experience of rescue and provision, urging those who have been helped to give thanks for God's unfailing love and amazing acts for all people.
"Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." — The verse isn't just a general call to praise, but specifically urges those who have experienced God's deliverance to give thanks. It highlights that God's "wonderful works" are performed for "the…
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Last reviewed October 2026