Psalms 107:7
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יַּֽדְרִיכֵם
And he led them forth
H1869
וַ֭יַּֽדְרִיכֵם
And he led them forth
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
1 of 7
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
way
H1870
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לָ֝לֶ֗כֶת
H1980
לָ֝לֶ֗כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Hebrews 12:22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,Psalms 77:20Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.Hebrews 11:16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.Psalms 107:36And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;Psalms 78:52But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.Psalms 107:4They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.2 Peter 2:15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;Nehemiah 11:3Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.
Historical Context
God led Israel through the wilderness by cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22; Psalm 105:39). He led exiles back from Babylon, making 'a way in the wilderness' (Isaiah 43:19). Ezra 8:21-23, 31 recounts seeking God's guidance for safe journey and finding 'the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us.' God's guidance brings His people to their intended destination—ultimately the heavenly city.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God lead by 'the right way' even when circumstances seem confusing?
- What is the 'city of habitation' God is leading His people toward?
- How do believers today experience God's guidance toward their eternal home?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes God's deliverance method. 'And he led them forth by the right way' emphasizes divine guidance. 'Led' (darak, דָּרַךְ) means to tread, march, or guide. 'Right way' (derek yesharah, דֶּרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה) means straight, direct path—contrasted with the crooked, confused wandering of verse 4. God doesn't just rescue randomly but guides purposefully toward a destination. 'That they might go to a city of habitation' indicates God's goal: bringing them home to security and rest. This prefigures Christ as 'the way' (John 14:6) and the Spirit's guidance into truth. God not only saves but directs our path toward our eternal dwelling.