Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Some read חוֹלִים , "sick men," for אֱוִלִים , "fools," here. But the change is not necessary. Folly and sin are regarded as two aspects of the same moral condition by the sacred writers, and sickness is spoken of as an ordinary punishment for them ( Job 33:17-22 ; 2 Kings 5:27 ; 2 Chronicles 21:15 ; 2 Chronicles 26:16-19 ; Acts 12:23 ). read more
Bringing affliction on ourselves. "Foolish men," so called "because of the moral infatuation which marks their conduct. Men of earthly, sensual, selfish minds, who turn a deaf ear to warning, and despise counsel." The " fool " of the Bible is usually the strongly self-willed man, who accepts no guidance or control, but persists in following the "devices and desires of his own heart." Such a man is sure to bring trouble upon himself. It is true that all men are tempted into self-will at... read more
A third class of persons under God's displeasure are punished by grievous sickness, and brought to the very verge of the grave. They, too, in many cases, turn to God, and, "crying to him," are delivered from their peril. It is for them, under such circumstances, to make a return by means of praise and thanks giving. read more
Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat (comp. Job 33:20 ; Psalms 102:4 ). And they draw near unto the gates of death . See Psalms 9:13 ; and compare ἤκω νεκρῶν κευθμῶνα καὶ σκότου πύλας λιπών (Eurip; 'Hec.,' 1) read more
Fools, because of their transgression - Wicked people, considered as fools, because they “are” transgressors. Compare Psalms 14:1, note; Psalms 73:3, note; Psalms 75:4, note. The immediate allusion here, probably, is to the Jews, who had been so wicked and so supremely foolish in violating the commands of God, and making it necessary to bring upon them as a punishment the captivity at Babylon; but the language is made general because it will with equal propriety describe the conduct of all... read more
Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat - All food; all that is to be eaten. The word rendered “abhorreth” is a word which is used with reference to anything that is abominable or loathsome; that from which we turn away with disgust. The language is expressive of sickness, when we loathe all food.And they draw near unto the gates of death - They are sick, and are ready to die. The reference is to the under world - the world where the dead are supposed to dwell. This is represented here as a... read more
Psalms 107:17-22. Fools That is, wicked men whom he calls fools, because through their own sin and folly they wrong themselves, and act against their own interest; not only their spiritual, but their secular interest; they often even prejudice their bodily health by their intemperance, and endanger their lives by indulging their appetites and fleshly lusts, as well as bring upon themselves many other evils and miseries: because of their transgressions Hebrew, מדרךְ פשׁעם , because of... read more
Psalms 107-108 Specific thanksgivingsPsalms 107:0 seems to be particularly appropriate to the time of the Jews’ return to their homeland after their exile in Babylon. It is a song of thanksgiving to be sung by those who have been saved from some great affliction or danger (107:1-3). Four different cases are introduced by verses 4, 10, 17 and 23. Each of the cases describes the danger, notes the prayer, outlines the answer and concludes with a word of instruction and warning.The first... read more
Fools = the Perverse, depending on their own wisdom, which is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 1:20-25 ). Compare Proverbs 1:7 ; Proverbs 12:15 ; Proverbs 14:3 , Proverbs 14:9 ; Proverbs 15:5 ; Proverbs 27:22 . transgression. Hebrew. pasha'. App-44 . iniquities. Hebrew. 'avah. App-44 . Not the same word as in Psalms 107:42 . are afflicted = bring affliction on themselves. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 107:4-32
Four portraits of one soul. I. INQUIRE AS TO THE SOUL . 1. The psalm tells of ransomed exiles, of redeemed Israelites, and recounts the sad but varied experiences through which they had passed. Some had been wanderers, some captives, some stricken with mortal sickness, some all but lost at sea. 2. But in all ages of the Church this psalm has been taken as telling not merely of the literal facts which it records, but as setting forth in vivid and varied way the... read more