Psalms 107:1-22
The fifth book of Psalms looks in a prophetic way at the redeemed people of Israel (Judah and the ten tribes), gathered together again in their land (v. 3) at the dawn of the millennium (Psalms 108:2). They remember in Psalms 107:1-43 the distresses which they encountered on their way back, their cries of anguish to the LORD, the times He rescued them, and finally the praise which now belongs to Him.
In a general way these four pictures: vv. 4-9; 10-16; 17-22; 23-32 — illustrate the different ways which God uses to save a soul (v. 9). Some may have gone astray a long time ago, wandering aimlessly and restlessly in the arid desert of this world (vv. 4, 5; cf. Genesis 21:14. Feeling totally destitute they have cried out to God who has then filled them, satisfied them and led them to the divine resting place (vv. 9, 7).
Others may have groaned under the enslaving yoke of Satan, the oppressor, in darkness and in the irons of sin . . . (vv. 2, 10). However, God has heard their cries for help. He has brought them out and broken their chains (vv. 14, 16).
They may have experienced despair, being affected by illness or accident and on the verge of death, the end of all man’s ways (vv. 17, 18). Then God sends His word and heals them (v. 20).
Can each of us say where and how the Lord found and saved his soul?