Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 6: Psalms 102–119:32

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Psalm 107 with John Calvin – Gratitude for God’s Providence

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31). Those who were delivered from slavery and imprisonment, and after a long and painful journey, arrived safely home are exhorted to offer gratitude to God. These he calls the redeemed of the LORD , because in wandering through the uncharted desert and howling wilderness, they would not have been able to return home if God had not appeared as their guard and guide. He does not refer to all travelers, but to refugees who felt themselves to be in imminent danger. Or it may be that he refers to those who were imprisoned by enemies, pirates, or other robbers. He reminds them that it was no coincidence that they were pursued in that manner, and later brought back to their home country, but that all their wanderings had been under the providence of God. So let the redeemed of the LORD, who have returned from captivity to their own land, come and take part in the celebration of God’s praises. Let them declare his loving-kindness which they have experienced in their deliverance.

They cried out to the LORD in their trouble (vv. 6, 13, 19, 28). Those who wander in desert places often suffer from hunger and thirst because they have found no place to lodge. When all hope of deliverance fades, they cry unto God. If a person

John Calvin on Psalm 107 “We will never be able to arrive at a calm state of mind until we are taught to rest with complete confidence in the providence of God.”

falls into the hands of robbers or pirates, and is not instantly murdered, but giving up all hope of life, expects death every