Log inSign up

Psalm 107 · a question people ask

Does the psalm say people get into trouble because they have sinned?

In the text

It says so of some, not of all. Of the four pictures, two give a reason. The prisoners sat in darkness "because they rebelled against the words of God, and condemned the counsel of the Most High" (107:11), and "Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities" (107:17). The wanderers are given no reason: "They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way" (107:4). And the sailors' storm comes at the LORD's word, with no sin named: "For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up its waves" (107:25). All four cry to the LORD, and all four are brought out (107:6, 107:13, 107:19, 107:28). Later the psalm says a fruitful land is made a salt waste "for the wickedness of those who dwell in it" (107:34). The psalm doesn't say which kind of trouble anyone today is in, and these notes don't either.

The verses

“because they rebelled against the words of God, and condemned the counsel of the Most High.”
Psalm 107:11 · World English Bible
“Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities.”
Psalm 107:17 · World English Bible
“They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way. They found no city to live in.”
Psalm 107:4 · World English Bible
“For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up its waves.”
Psalm 107:25 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 107

Psalm 107: Let the redeemed say so

Psalm 107 opens the book's fifth part with four pictures of rescue: the lost, the shut in, the sick and the storm-tossed. Each cries to the LORD, is brought out, and is called to thank him for his loving kindness. The Hebrew changes the rescue verb as it goes (107:6, 107:13, 107:28), and the storm's calm is a word the Hebrew Bible has only three times (107:29).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 107 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 107

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions