(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 107:1-43)

As we read through Psalm 107 (New American Standard Bible, NASB), we will notice a pattern of events. First, Israel is to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Then, trouble hits and we read over and over again about how Israel cried out to the Lord, and He delivered, saved, and brought them out of their distresses.

After the Lord comes to their rescue once again, the psalmist writes, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness.”

This is to serve as a pattern of our lives of faith in the Lord as well. That we have this life of faith is because the Lord’s lovingkindness is everlasting. So, we too are to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

Lovingkindness in the Hebrew is Hesed. It is one of the richest covenant words in the Old Testament. No single English word quite captures Hesed. It is one of my favorite Hebrew words in the Old Testament, and it is a reminder that the Lord’s promises are forever.

Hesed carries the idea of a love that stays because of a promise, not based on feelings, but commitment. It is a love that actually rescues and restores, and a love that does not quit even when people fail.

Our story began with the Lord’s lovingkindness, and so when we are weak, in trouble, and on the verge of falling away, we are also to cry out to the Lord in our trouble, and He will once again deliver, save, and bring us out of our distresses.

That is because the Lord’s lovingkindness isn’t based on our faithfulness, but is a reflection of God’s everlasting faithfulness to us through Jesus Christ. Our duty is to humble ourselves, turn back to Him, and to cry out to the Lord in our trouble, just as Israel did.

And just as God saved them out of their distresses, so He will do for His church, because He is good and His lovingkindness is everlasting. So we too should give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness [Hesed].

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Psalm 107