Psalms 107:8-9
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)
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This verse isn't just a general call to praise, but a specific plea: the "them" refers to those who have just experienced God's deliverance. It's about remembering His specific acts of rescue for us and realizing those "wondrous works" extend beyond our own experience to all humanity.
This verse is a recurring refrain within Psalm 107, a song celebrating God's deliverance of His people. It follows descriptions of those lost in the wilderness, afflicted by hunger and thirst, emphasizing their desperate need before God intervened. This call to praise is directed at those who have experienced such salvation, urging them to thank God for His unfailing love and the amazing acts He performs for all humanity.
Why does the psalm begin with a passionate plea rather than a simple statement of fact?
The opening of Psalm 107 isn't just a suggestion; it's an urgent call.
'Let them praise!'
The Hebrew here carries a sense of obligation and even anticipation. It's like saying, 'They must praise!' or 'They will praise!' because the reasons are so overwhelming. This isn't just for a select few who have experienced dramatic rescues, but for all people. God's goodness and wondrous works are for the entirety of humanity. It's a universal invitation to acknowledge the divine.
This emphasis highlights that praise isn't a passive response but an active, intentional duty rooted in gratitude for what God has done.
What makes God's works so 'wonderful,' and who exactly are they for?
The psalm speaks of God's 'wondrous works to the children of man.' This isn't about miracles just for the chosen few; it's about the incredible, awe-inspiring ways God interacts with all of humanity.
Beyond Expectation
'Wondrous works' points to deeds that evoke astonishment – acts of power, mercy, and providence that transcend ordinary understanding. These are miracles of mercy and grace, often displayed for the undeserving, the 'children of Adam,' who are descendants of a fallen humanity.
This broad scope reminds us that God's goodness isn't limited. His kindness and mighty acts are revealed in ways that can and should be recognized by every person, regardless of their background or current circumstances.
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.
This psalm reflects on God's deliverance, particularly the return from Babylonian exile. The 'wonderful works' spoken of resonate deeply with those who have known the despair of displacement and the joy of restoration.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt with mighty acts of power, including plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.
c. 13th-10th centuries BC
Israel's Wilderness Journeys
The Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years, facing starvation, thirst, and danger, demonstrating God's provision and protection in harsh environments.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem is destroyed and many Judeans are exiled to Babylon, experiencing profound loss and longing for home.
c. 539 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
This passage echoes the same heartfelt plea to give thanks to the Lord and to call on His name, highlighting a consistent theme of gratitude for God's actions throughout Scripture.
Nehemiah 9:5This verse connects God's steadfast love and wondrous works to His unique faithfulness, emphasizing His creative power and enduring commitment to His people, much like Psalm 107.
Jeremiah 33:11This prophetic word speaks of future rejoicing and thanksgiving for the Lord's goodness and steadfast love, mirroring the call to praise found in Psalm 107 and assuring us of God's unfailing character.
Luke 1:46-49Mary's song of praise beautifully reflects the heart of Psalm 107, as she exalts God for His mighty deeds and His mercy shown to the humble, demonstrating how God's work inspires deep gratitude.
1 Corinthians 15:57This New Testament passage offers thanks to God who gives us the victory, showing that the wondrous works of God, especially in redemption, are a perpetual source of praise and thanksgiving.
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.
This verse isn't just a general call to praise, but a specific plea: the "them" refers to those who have just experienced God's deliverance. It's about remembering His specific acts of rescue for us and realizing those "wondrous works" extend beyond our own experience to all humanity.
This verse is a recurring refrain within Psalm 107, a song celebrating God's deliverance of His people. It follows descriptions of those lost in the wilderness, afflicted by hunger and thirst, emphasizing their desperate need before God intervened. This call to praise is directed at those who have experienced such salvation, urging them to thank God for His unfailing love and the amazing acts He performs for all humanity.
This verse is a recurring refrain within Psalm 107, a song celebrating God's deliverance of His people. It follows descriptions of those lost in the wilderness, afflicted by hunger and thirst, emphasizing their desperate need before God intervened. This call to praise is directed at those who have experienced such salvation, urging them to thank God for His unfailing love and the amazing acts He performs for all humanity.
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"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." — This verse isn't just a general call to praise, but a specific plea: the "them" refers to those who have just experienced God's deliverance. It's about remembering His specific acts of rescue for *us…
