What does Psalms 107:8 mean?

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

Explanation

Psalms 107:8 is a verse that calls on people to acknowledge and praise the goodness of God, as well as His wonderful works for humanity. This is not merely a suggestion, but an exclamation of desire, as indicated by the phrase “Oh that men would praise the LORD.” The verse is a heartfelt plea for recognition of the divine generosity and care that God provides. The mention of “his goodness” refers to God’s benevolent nature and the “wonderful works” likely alludes to His interventions in human lives, whether through deliverance, provision, protection, or guidance.

Historical Context

Psalm 107 is part of the fifth and final book of the Psalms, which is a collection of songs, prayers, and poems that were used in Hebrew worship. The Psalms address various themes, ranging from lament and supplication to thanksgiving and praise. Psalm 107 specifically is a song of thanksgiving, typically believed to have been written upon the return of the Jewish people from the Babylonian exile around the 6th century BCE. This setting of return and restoration would have been a compelling reason to reflect on and celebrate God’s faithfulness and redemption.

Theological Insights

The request for praise in this verse reinforces a perennial theme in Judeo-Christian theology: God is deserving of worship not just for who He is, but for what He has done. From a conservative viewpoint, the verse underscores the direct intervention of God in human affairs. A liberal theological perspective might interpret the “wonderful works” as the ongoing unfolding of God’s creation and presence in the world. Some theologians also understand this verse to reflect God’s inclusive love for all peoples, as it mentions “the children of men,” not just the children of Israel.

Practical Applications

Psalm 107:8 can encourage individuals to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Recognizing the blessings and interventions in one’s life can foster a positive outlook and a greater sense of contentment. It can also inspire people to give testimony of their experiences, sharing stories of personal growth, healing, or provision, which can strengthen the faith of others. Additionally, this kind of acknowledgment could lead to a more compassionate and service-oriented life, as one responds to God’s goodness by extending goodness to others.

Cross-References

• Psalm 107:15 – “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
• Psalm 107:21 – “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
• Psalm 107:31 – “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
• Psalm 106:1 – “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Language Study

A few key Hebrew words in this verse deserve attention:

• “Praise” (יָדָה – yadah): This verb conveys the action of throwing or casting. In the context of worship, it means to extend hands heavenward in grateful acknowledgment of God’s character and deeds.
• “LORD” (יהוה – YHWH): This is the tetragrammaton, the sacred and ineffable name of God, which emotes the eternal and self-existent nature of God.
• “Goodness” (טוֹב – tov): This term conveys the concept of what is good, pleasant, agreeable, or beneficial.
• “Wonderful works” (נִפְלָאוֹת – nifla’ot): Derived from the root word for “wonderful” or “marvelous,” this term refers to extraordinary acts or miracles that go beyond the ordinary.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of praising gods for their beneficence is common throughout ancient Near Eastern cultures. For example, in Ancient Egypt, hymns were composed to honor and thank deities for their blessings. In Mesopotamian religions, too, prayers and hymns celebrated the acts of their gods. In comparison, the Psalms are distinct in their monotheistic focus, directing all praise to one universal deity, YHWH.

Scientific Perspectives

Many of the “wonderful works” referenced in the Psalms may be understood metaphorically or spiritually, which doesn’t necessarily intersect directly with the scientific domain. However, a modern scientific perspective might view the natural world, from the vast cosmos to the complexity of life, as part of the “wonderful works” deserving of awe and admiration. Some find harmony between scientific wonder and religious praise, considering the intricate design observed in nature as reflective of divine craftsmanship.

Commentaries

Experts and biblical scholars bring various insights into this verse. Matthew Henry, a prominent commentator, emphasized the recurring theme in Psalm 107 of God’s deliverance and the appropriate response of thanksgiving from His people. He notes the repetition of the call for praise throughout the chapter as an important emphasis. Others, like John Calvin, observed that the Psalmist seeks to stimulate and provoke people to gratitude, encouraging a vocal and public confession of God’s goodness. Modern commentaries often explore the individual and communal dimensions of praise, advocating both personal and corporate worship as responses to divine actions.