What is the meaning of Psalm 107:11? Setting of Psalm 107:11 Psalm 107 moves through four scenes of distress and deliverance. Verses 10–16 focus on prisoners “in darkness and the shadow of death.” Verse 11 gives the reason: “because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.” This causal link sets the tone for understanding what follows: divine discipline, heartfelt repentance, and merciful rescue (compare Judges 2:11–19; Isaiah 59:1–2). Rebelled Against the Words of God “Rebelled” signals willful resistance, not ignorance. • God’s words are commands to be obeyed, not suggestions (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 30:15–20). • Rebelling dismisses God’s rightful authority, paralleling Israel’s wilderness defiance in Numbers 14:9–11. • Such rebellion is called “lawlessness” in 1 Samuel 15:23, a posture that provokes God’s righteous anger (Psalm 78:40–42). Despised the Counsel of the Most High “Despised” means to treat lightly, dismissing God’s wisdom as unnecessary. • Proverbs 1:24–30 echoes this: when counsel is rejected, calamity follows. • Isaiah 30:1 warns against “adding sin to sin” by seeking guidance elsewhere. • By calling Him “the Most High,” the psalm underlines His supreme wisdom (Daniel 4:34), making rejection of His counsel all the more grievous. Consequences of Rebellion Verse 10 describes the outcome: “They sat in darkness and the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains.” • Darkness pictures spiritual confusion (John 3:19). • Chains reflect bondage that sin inevitably brings (Proverbs 5:22; Romans 6:16). • The psalmist views these hardships as corrective, not arbitrary (Hebrews 12:6). God’s Purpose in Discipline Though stern, God’s discipline is redemptive. • Verses 13–14: “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.” • Psalm 94:12 affirms, “Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD.” • The goal is restored fellowship, as seen in Luke 15:17–24 with the prodigal son. Application for Today • Take God’s Word seriously—daily reading, obedience, and delight (Psalm 1:2). • Seek His counsel over popular opinion (James 1:5; Psalm 32:8). • Respond quickly to conviction, avoiding hardened hearts (Hebrews 3:12–15). • Remember that any divine correction aims at freedom, not condemnation (Revelation 3:19; Galatians 5:1). summary Psalm 107:11 explains bondage and misery: people “rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.” Rebellion rejects God’s authority; despising His counsel spurns His wisdom. The resulting discipline—darkness, chains—serves a loving purpose: to prompt repentance and showcase God’s power to deliver. Obedience and humble acceptance of His counsel lead to freedom, joy, and renewed fellowship with the Lord. |
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