Psalms 107:36

Authorized King James Version

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And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

Original Language Analysis

וַיּ֣וֹשֶׁב to dwell H3427
וַיּ֣וֹשֶׁב to dwell
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁ֣ם H8033
שָׁ֣ם
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 2 of 6
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
רְעֵבִ֑ים And there he maketh the hungry H7457
רְעֵבִ֑ים And there he maketh the hungry
Strong's: H7457
Word #: 3 of 6
hungry (more or less intensely)
וַ֝יְכוֹנְנ֗וּ that they may prepare H3559
וַ֝יְכוֹנְנ֗וּ that they may prepare
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 4 of 6
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
עִ֣יר a city H5892
עִ֣יר a city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 5 of 6
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מוֹשָֽׁב׃ for habitation H4186
מוֹשָֽׁב׃ for habitation
Strong's: H4186
Word #: 6 of 6
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

Analysis & Commentary

This verse describes God's purpose in restoration. 'And there he maketh the hungry to dwell' shows God places people in restored land. 'The hungry' are those in need, presumably exiles returning to desolation. 'That they may prepare a city for habitation' indicates settlement and civilization. 'Prepare' (kun, כּוּן) means to establish, make firm, or found. God restores land and settles people so they can build sustainable communities. This demonstrates God's redemptive pattern: He doesn't merely save individuals but restores communities and provides place for covenant people to dwell. Salvation includes physical dwelling, not just spiritual redemption.

Historical Context

Returning exiles resettled Judah, rebuilding Jerusalem and surrounding cities (Ezra, Nehemiah). God didn't merely forgive sin but restored their homeland, enabling community life. This pattern extends to the church—God saves into community (1 Peter 2:9-10), not isolation. Ultimately, the 'city for habitation' is New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-3), where God dwells with His people eternally. Salvation's goal is dwelling with God in secure, permanent community.

Questions for Reflection