33 He makes rivers into waste places, and springs of water into a dry land; 34 He makes a fertile country into a salt waste, because of the sins of those who are living there. 35 He makes a waste land into a place of water, and a dry land into water-springs. 36 And there he gives the poor a resting-place, so that they may make themselves a town; 37 And put seed in the fields and make vine-gardens, to give them fruit. 38 He gives them his blessing so that they are increased greatly, and their cattle do not become less. 39 And when they are made low, and crushed by trouble and sorrow, 40 He puts an end to the pride of kings, and sends them wandering in the waste lands where there is no way. 41 But he puts the poor man on high from his troubles, and gives him families like a flock. 42 The upright see it and are glad: the mouth of the sinner is stopped. 43 Let the wise give thought to these things, and see the mercies of the Lord.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 107:33-43
Commentary on Psalm 107:33-43
(Read Psalm 107:33-43)
What surprising changes are often made in the affairs of men! Let the present desolate state of Judea, and of other countries, explain this. If we look abroad in the world, we see many greatly increase, whose beginning was small. We see many who have thus suddenly risen, as suddenly brought to nothing. Worldly wealth is uncertain; often those who are filled with it, ere they are aware, lose it again. God has many ways of making men poor. The righteous shall rejoice. It shall fully convince all those who deny the Divine Providence. When sinners see how justly God takes away the gifts they have abused, they will not have a word to say. It is of great use to us to be fully assured of God's goodness, and duly affected with it. It is our wisdom to mind our duty, and to refer our comfort to him. A truly wise person will treasure in his heart this delightful psalm. From it, he will fully understand the weakness and wretchedness of man, and the power and loving-kindness of God, not for our merit, but for his mercy's sake.