10 There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death , Prisoners in misery and chains , 11 Because they had rebelled against the words of God And spurned the counsel of the Most High . 12 Therefore He humbled their heart with labor ; They stumbled and there was none to help . 13 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble ; He saved them out of their distresses . 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death And broke their bands apart . 15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness , And for His wonders to the sons of men ! 16 For He has shattered gates of bronze And cut bars of iron asunder .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 107:10-16
Commentary on Psalm 107:10-16
(Read Psalm 107:10-16)
This description of prisoners and captives intimates that they are desolate and sorrowful. In the eastern prisons the captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be improved as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit, if our hearts are unhumbled and unbroken under them. This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confinement. The awakened sinner discovers his guilt and misery. Having struggled in vain for deliverance, he finds there is no help for him but in the mercy and grace of God. His sin is forgiven by a merciful God, and his pardon is accompanied by deliverance from the power of sin and Satan, and by the sanctifying and comforting influences of God the Holy Spirit.