17 Foolish men, because of their sins, and because of their wrongdoing, are troubled; 18 They are disgusted by all food, and they come near to the doors of death. 19 Then they send up their cry to the Lord in their sorrow, and he gives them salvation out of all their troubles. 20 He sent his word and made them well, and kept them safe from the underworld. 21 Let men give praise to the Lord for his mercy, and for the wonders which he does for the children of men! 22 Let them make offerings of praise, giving news of his works with cries of joy.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 107:17-22
Commentary on Psalm 107:17-22
(Read Psalm 107:17-22)
If we knew no sin, we should know no sickness. Sinners are fools. They hurt their bodily health by intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites. This their way is their folly. The weakness of the body is the effect of sickness. It is by the power and mercy of God that we are recovered from sickness, and it is our duty to be thankful. All Christ's miraculous cures were emblems of his healing diseases of the soul. It is also to be applied to the spiritual cures which the Spirit of grace works. He sends his word, and heals souls; convinces, converts them, makes them holy, and all by the word. Even in common cases of recovery from sickness, God in his providence speaks, and it is done; by his word and Spirit the soul is restored to health and holiness.