Psalms 107:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:10
10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, mercy, salvation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 107:10
10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
Analysis
This verse begins the second rescue scenario: prisoners in darkness. 'Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death' uses powerful imagery. 'Darkness' (choshek, חשֶׁךְ) represents ignorance, misery, and separation from God. 'Shadow of death' (tsalmaveth, צַלְמָוֶת) means deep darkness or death-shadow. 'Being bound in affliction and iron' describes imprisonment with chains. This depicts both literal captivity (exile, prison) and spiritual bondage—humanity imprisoned in sin and death (Isaiah 42:7; 61:1; Luke 4:18). We're born in darkness, bound by sin, unable to free ourselves. Only divine intervention liberates prisoners of darkness.
Historical Context
This scenario describes exiles in Babylon ('bound in affliction and iron') sitting in darkness far from home. It also echoes Egypt's bondage and any imprisonment for God's people. Spiritually, it depicts humanity's slavery to sin before regeneration. Ephesians 2:1-3 describes being 'dead in trespasses and sins.' Acts 26:18 describes conversion as turning 'from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.'
Reflection
- In what ways was humanity sitting in 'darkness and shadow of death' before Christ?
- How does spiritual bondage to sin parallel physical imprisonment?
- What does deliverance from darkness to light entail in Christian conversion?
Cross-References
- Darkness: Job 3:5, Isaiah 42:7, Micah 7:8, Matthew 4:16, 22:13, Luke 1:79
- Parallel theme: Psalms 105:18