Psalms 107:39
Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּמְעֲט֥וּ
Again they are minished
H4591
וַיִּמְעֲט֥וּ
Again they are minished
Strong's:
H4591
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
וַיָּשֹׁ֑חוּ
and brought low
H7817
וַיָּשֹׁ֑חוּ
and brought low
Strong's:
H7817
Word #:
2 of 5
to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)
Historical Context
Israel's history exemplified this cycle: blessing under faithful leadership, cursing under apostasy. Judges portrays repeated cycles of sin → oppression → repentance → deliverance. Even after exile's restoration, later generations again experienced decrease and oppression (under Greeks and Romans). The cycle warns each generation that covenant blessing isn't automatic inheritance but requires ongoing faithfulness. Churches and nations today experience similar patterns: blessing followed by apostasy leading to decline.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the blessing-curse cycle demonstrate the necessity of ongoing covenant faithfulness?
- What 'oppression, affliction, and sorrow' result from turning from God today?
- How can churches avoid presuming on past blessings while drifting into unfaithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes reversal of blessing through judgment. 'Again, they are minished and brought low' shows decrease after multiplication (v. 38). 'Minished' (maat, מָעַט) means to be or become small, few, diminished. 'Brought low' (shachach, שָׁחַח) means to be bowed down, humbled. 'Through oppression, affliction, and sorrow' lists causes: external pressure (otser, עֹצֶר), affliction (raah, רָעָה), and sorrow (yagon, יָגוֹן). This demonstrates the covenant curse cycle: blessing for obedience, cursing for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). God's people experience rise and fall corresponding to faithfulness. This warns against presuming on blessing—ongoing faithfulness is required.