Psalms 107:33
He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
Original Language Analysis
יָשֵׂ֣ם
He turneth
H7760
יָשֵׂ֣ם
He turneth
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 6
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
נְהָר֣וֹת
rivers
H5104
נְהָר֣וֹת
rivers
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
2 of 6
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
לְמִדְבָּ֑ר
into a wilderness
H4057
לְמִדְבָּ֑ר
into a wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 6
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וּמֹצָ֥אֵי
H4161
וּמֹצָ֥אֵי
Strong's:
H4161
Word #:
4 of 6
a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex
Cross References
Isaiah 50:2Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.Isaiah 42:15I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied Babylon's rivers would dry (Isaiah 44:27), fulfilled when Cyrus diverted the Euphrates to conquer Babylon (539 BC). Egypt's Nile turning to blood (Exodus 7:17-21) demonstrated similar divine control. Modern examples include dried rivers, desertification, and environmental collapse—whether as natural processes or divine judgment, they testify to God's sovereignty over earth's water systems and their direct link to human flourishing or suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's control over water sources demonstrate His sovereignty over nations?
- What does withholding water as judgment teach about the source of prosperity?
- How should environmental changes drive recognition of dependence on God's providence?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse begins a new section describing God's providence over nations and nature. 'He turneth rivers into a wilderness' shows divine control over geography and hydrology. 'Turneth' (sum, שׂוּם) means to set, make, or appoint. God transforms fertile river valleys into barren wasteland. 'And the watersprings into dry ground' continues the transformation from life to death, abundance to scarcity. This describes judgment—removing water is covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). God's sovereignty includes withholding provision from rebellious nations. What He gives He can take away; prosperity depends on His pleasure.