Psalms 107:3

Authorized King James Version

And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּֽמֵאֲרָצ֗וֹת

H776

them out of the lands

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

קִ֫בְּצָ֥ם

H6908

And gathered

to grasp, i.e., collect

מִמִּזְרָ֥ח

H4217

from the east

sunrise, i.e., the east

וּמִֽמַּעֲרָ֑ב

H4628

and from the west

the west (as a region of the evening sun)

מִצָּפ֥וֹן

H6828

from the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וּמִיָּֽם׃

H3220

and from the south

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 107 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?