Psalm 107: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 107 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls for thanksgiving to Yahweh for his goodness and enduring loving kindness (vv. 1-3). Those redeemed by Yahweh recognize his work in gathering them from all directions and delivering them from the wilderness, where they had no city to dwell in, feeling hungry and thirsty (vv.

Key verse

“Then they cried to Yahweh in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses,”
Psalms 107:6 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 107:1–3 Call to Thanksgiving
Psalm 107:4–9 Deliverance from Wilderness
Psalm 107:10–15 Rescue from Darkness and Chains
Psalm 107:16–20 Healing and Deliverance from Death
Psalm 107:21–30 Calm after the Storm
Psalm 107:31–42 Praise for God's Goodness
Psalm 107:43 Wisdom in Reflection

Discussion questions

In v6, why does the psalmist say the distressed 'cried to Yahweh'?
What does the psalmist describe in vv. 25-26 about the stormy waves?
The phrase 'he led them also by a straight way' in v7: what does this imply about God's guidance?
The word 'fools' in v17: how does this label change our understanding of their affliction?
What does it mean to praise Yahweh for his loving kindness as mentioned in vv. 15 and 21?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 107: Isaiah 44, Psalm 147, Matthew 5.

Before next time: read Psalm 108.