Psalms 107:39

"Again they are diminished and bowed down

Through oppression, trouble and sorrow.

He poureth contempt upon princes,

And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way.

Yet setteth he the needy on high from affliction,

And maketh him families like a flock.

The upright shall see it, and be glad;

And all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

Whoso is wise will give heed to these things;

And they will consider the lovingkindness of Jehovah."

"Again they are diminished and bowed down" (Psalms 107:39). Israel is still the subject here, and the reference is to their oppression in Babylon. In all of the changing fortunes of God's People, the psalmist is making the point that God is the ruler; he chooses the changes for men; he prospers them when they obey him and diminishes them when they become wicked.

When the Lord's people suffer oppression, it is evil princes (or rulers) who have the ascendancy; but God will surely punish them. "Psalms 107:39 here presupposes wickedness on the part of God's people; but the Lord does not abandon them utterly and finally"[22]

"The upright shall see it, and be glad" (Psalms 107:42). Those who seek to obey God will conform their lives in a pattern that always takes account of the will of God. This will stop the mouths of the gainsayers.

"Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; and they will consider the lovingkindness of Jehovah" (Psalms 107:43).