Psalm 107
This psalm may be considered as an appendix to the two foregoing. Those represented the providence of God towards his chosen Israelites, who prefigured his gospel church: this, (1.) represents the providences of God to the children of men in general, and calls them to praise him for his kindness and mercy therein: particularly, 1. In directing and gathering travellers, whom he had justly dispersed, ver. 1-7. 2. In delivering prisoners, whom he had justly confined, ver. 8-14. 3. In healing the sick, whom he had justly plagued, ver. 15-22. 4. In relieving mariners, whom he had justly bestormed, ver. 23-30. 5. In changing the condition of territories, persons, and families, at his pleasure, to the comfort of his people, and the restraining of wickedness, ver. 7-42. (2.) It encourageth me to a careful observation of God's providences, ver. 43.
Let me sing this, with a heart deeply affected with the various providences of God towards myself and others, while we have walked by the way; been confined in prisons, or lain on beds of languishing; traversed the surface of the depths, or laboured in our respective employments. Let me be a careful observer of providences, and compare them with the oracles of God, with my behaviour, and my prayers, and also with one another: so shall I understand the loving kindness of the Lord.
Read or sing this psalm in the Scottish Psalter or the Bay Psalm Book.