An instructive narrative runs through Psalms 104, 105, and 106. Psalm 104 praises the God of wisdom who made the world; Psalm 105 magnifies His redemptive power and grace. But Psalm 106 confesses that His people had repeatedly rebelled against Him, their Maker and Savior. In righteousness, He judged them, sending them into captivity.

Our Bibles divide the 150 collected Psalms into five sections, or books, and Psalm 106 concludes the fourth. It is a rather sad ending. The only hope found there is that God might again show mercy and regather His people (Ps. 106:47). But then comes the joy of Psalm 107! “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed … and gathered out of the lands” (107:2–3), just as the writer of Psalm 106 had prayed.

Psalm 107 gives four examples of deliverance. Some people wandered in the wilderness with fainting souls, but the Lord led them to a city (vv. 4–9). Some endured chains and hard labor because of their rebellion, but the Lord took them out of darkness and broke their chains (vv. 10–16). Others suffered physical distress because of their foolish sins, but the Lord healed them by His word (vv. 17–22). Still others faced stormy seas and were at their wits’ end, but the Lord calmed the waves and brought them to safety (vv. 23–32). In each case, the psalmist declares, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

The redeemed ones of Psalm 107 can be linked with both history and prophecy, but surely we should find a lesson for ourselves as well. Have we ever marveled at God’s creation and praised Him for salvation—but then rebelled against Him? Let us cry out to Him! If we observe these things, we will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.