Commentary on Psalms 107:18

Psalms 107:18 states:

"Their soul abhorred all manner of meat; and they drew near unto the gates of death."

Introduction

This verse is part of a larger passage that explores the experience of those in distress and the mercy of God in delivering them. The sentiment captures a critical moment where souls are brought to the brink of despair, illustrating both a physical and spiritual malaise that leads to a desperate plea for salvation.

Contextual Background

The Psalms, often referred to as powerful poems of worship, encapsulate the emotional and spiritual literacy of ancient Israel. This specific Psalm speaks of various forms of suffering and the divine deliverance that follows, allowing the faithful to reflect on God’s steadfastness.

Insights from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry emphasizes the condition of the soul that abhors food. According to him, this can be understood as a metaphor for spiritual hunger and discontentment. Those who turn from the sustenance God provides find themselves spiritually famished and close to death.

• The Discontented Soul: Henry articulates that the rejection of sustenance symbolizes a deeper discontent with life’s provisions.
• Nearness to Death: The image of drawing near to the gates of death serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God’s gifts.
• Need for Redemption: This illustration makes clear that salvation is available even to those who have wandered far from grace.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes offers a more theological angle, noting that the terms used in this verse reflect the spiritual condition experienced by many—affliction leading to a recognition of need and eventual redemption.

• Physical Deprivation: Barnes points out that this verse might also comment on literal hunger and despair, where afflictions can lead to a state where individuals loathe even sustenance.
• The Spirit of Repentance: He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s state. Only when we abhor our condition do we seek divine intervention.
• God’s Mercy: Ultimately, Barnes highlights that this passage reassures believers of God’s ready mercy towards those who feel lost and trapped in despair.

Insights from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke provides a grammatical and exegetical perspective on the text, delving into the original Hebrew and its implications.

• Word Study: Clarke breaks down the original terms to reveal deeper meanings; for example, “abhorred” conveys a strong emotional and spiritual rejection, suggesting not just hunger but a broader sense of alienation from life’s joys.
• Consequences of Despair: Clarke ties the sentiments in this verse to the broader human experience, where intense suffering can lead to a feeling of hopelessness, condemning people to feel as if they are on death's doorstep.
• Hope in God: Clarke consistently points towards the turnaround that God’s mercy can bring, suggesting that the state of near-death does not have to be the end of the story.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Psalms 107:18 illustrates three critical components regarding the human condition:

• The Reality of Suffering: Recognizing that affliction is a part of life helps believers to internalize the importance of reliance on God.
• Desperation Leading to Deliverance: The movement from despair to help is not only a physical journey but one of soul-searching that manifests in cries for help to God.
• The Nature of God’s Compassion: Even in moments when one feels utterly lost, God’s compassion is a cornerstone of faith—the promise of rescue at the edge of despair.

Application for Today’s Believers

This verse stands as a powerful reminder for modern believers that despair can lead to spiritual dead ends, but it also plants the seed of hope for redemption through faith. Here are several applications drawn from the commentary:

• Seek Sustenance: Recognize the need for spiritual nourishment through prayer, scripture, and community.
• Recognize Despair: Acknowledge times of distress as moments prompting us to redirect our focus to God.
• Embrace God’s Mercy: Trust that no matter how far one may stray, divine grace awaits at the gate, ready to welcome all who turn back towards it.

Conclusion

Psalms 107:18 encapsulates the struggle inherent in the human experience where spiritual desolation leads to the brink of deathliness. Through the lens of public domain commentaries, we can better appreciate the nuances of this text and its implication on faith. God’s call remains clear: even in moments of the greatest despair, the possibility of deliverance and hope is just a prayer away.