Psalms 107:2
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Original Language Analysis
גְּ֝אָלָ֗ם
Let the redeemed
H1350
גְּ֝אָלָ֗ם
Let the redeemed
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
2 of 7
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
גְּ֝אָלָ֗ם
Let the redeemed
H1350
גְּ֝אָלָ֗ם
Let the redeemed
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
5 of 7
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
Cross References
Luke 1:74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:Psalms 106:10And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.Psalms 31:5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Isaiah 35:9No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:Isaiah 44:22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.Luke 1:68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,Isaiah 62:12And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.Isaiah 43:1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Historical Context
For Israelites returning from Babylonian exile, 'redemption from the enemy' meant release from captivity after 70 years. Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1) enabling return was God's redemption. Returning exiles were called to testify to God's faithfulness, encouraging those who remained scattered. In the exodus context, redemption from Egypt established the pattern: God delivers His people from enemies. Christians continue this testimony, declaring redemption from sin through Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'say so' about your redemption?
- How does experiencing God's redemption create obligation to testify?
- From what 'enemy' has Christ redeemed believers, and how should we declare it?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse specifies who should give thanks. 'Let the redeemed of the LORD say so' identifies thanksgiving as the responsibility of those who've experienced redemption. 'Redeemed' (gahal, גָּאַל) means those bought back or rescued by a kinsman-redeemer. 'Say so' means declare it, testify publicly. Redemption demands testimony—experiencing God's deliverance obligates proclamation. 'Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy' specifies rescue from hostile power. This applies immediately to Israel redeemed from Egypt and Babylon, and ultimately to all believers redeemed from sin and Satan through Christ. Silence about redemption is ingratitude; redeemed people must speak.