Psalms 107:11
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִמְר֥וּ
Because they rebelled
H4784
הִמְר֥וּ
Because they rebelled
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
2 of 7
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אֵ֑ל
of God
H410
אֵ֑ל
of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Psalms 106:43Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.Proverbs 1:25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:Acts 20:27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.Psalms 73:24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.Psalms 78:40How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!Jeremiah 44:16As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Luke 7:30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.2 Chronicles 33:10And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.2 Chronicles 36:16But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
Historical Context
Israel's exile resulted from persistent rebellion against God's word through the prophets (2 Kings 17:7-23; Jeremiah 25:3-11). They spurned divine counsel, pursuing idolatry and injustice despite repeated warnings. Exile was covenant curse for covenant-breaking. Individually, rejection of God's word leads to spiritual bondage—we become slaves to sin when we rebel against the One who offers freedom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does rebellion against God's word lead to bondage rather than freedom?
- What does it mean to 'contemn the counsel of the most High' in contemporary life?
- Why do people view God's commands as restrictive when they actually lead to liberty?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse explains why they're imprisoned. 'Because they rebelled against the words of God' identifies rebellion as the cause. 'Rebelled' (marah, מָרָה) means to be contentious, rebellious, or bitter against. 'The words of God' (imre El, אִמְרֵי־אֵל) are God's commands and covenant stipulations. 'And contemned the counsel of the most High' adds that they despised divine wisdom. 'Contemned' (naats, נָאַץ) means to spurn, treat with contempt, or blaspheme. Their imprisonment was just consequence of despising God's authority. This teaches that rebellion against God's word leads to bondage. Sin doesn't liberate; it imprisons.