Psalms 107:43
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 7
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
וְיִשְׁמָר
and will observe
H8104
וְיִשְׁמָר
and will observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְ֝יִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֗וּ
these things even they shall understand
H995
וְ֝יִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֗וּ
these things even they shall understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
5 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
Hosea 14:9Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.Jeremiah 9:12Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?Psalms 64:9And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.Daniel 10:12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.Jeremiah 9:24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.Psalms 50:23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.Isaiah 5:12And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.Psalms 28:5Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
Historical Context
This wisdom conclusion invites meditation on God's works across history. Israel's story—exodus, wilderness, conquest, kingdom, exile, return—all reveal chesed. For the church, observing God's redemptive acts from Genesis to Revelation reveals the consistent thread of covenant love culminating in Christ. Wisdom means seeing all history as disclosure of God's faithful, saving love. This requires attentive study of Scripture and reflection on God's works in creation, providence, and redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'wise' in observing God's works and providence?
- How do diverse experiences of deliverance reveal God's singular covenant love (<em>chesed</em>)?
- What role does meditation on Scripture and history play in understanding God's lovingkindness?
Analysis & Commentary
This concluding verse summarizes the psalm's call. 'Whoso is wise, and will observe these things' identifies the audience: the wise who pay attention. 'Wise' (chakam, חָכָם) means skillful in living, not merely intellectual. 'Observe' (shamar, שָׁמַר) means to keep, guard, give heed to. 'Even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD' is the reward: comprehending God's covenant love. 'Lovingkindness' is chesed (חֶסֶד)—loyal, covenant love—the psalm's central theme (v. 1). Understanding chesed requires wisdom to observe God's works: His deliverances, judgments, restorations. The psalm's various scenarios all reveal this one truth: God's enduring covenant faithfulness. Wisdom discerns chesed in all God's providence.