Psalms 107:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:11
11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, mercy, holiness. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 107:11
11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
Analysis
This verse explains why they're imprisoned. 'Because they rebelled against the words of God' identifies rebellion as the cause. 'Rebelled' (marah, מָרָה) means to be contentious, rebellious, or bitter against. 'The words of God' (imre El, אִמְרֵי־אֵל) are God's commands and covenant stipulations. 'And contemned the counsel of the most High' adds that they despised divine wisdom. 'Contemned' (naats, נָאַץ) means to spurn, treat with contempt, or blaspheme. Their imprisonment was just consequence of despising God's authority. This teaches that rebellion against God's word leads to bondage. Sin doesn't liberate; it imprisons.
Historical Context
Israel's exile resulted from persistent rebellion against God's word through the prophets (2 Kings 17:7-23; Jeremiah 25:3-11). They spurned divine counsel, pursuing idolatry and injustice despite repeated warnings. Exile was covenant curse for covenant-breaking. Individually, rejection of God's word leads to spiritual bondage—we become slaves to sin when we rebel against the One who offers freedom.
Reflection
- How does rebellion against God's word lead to bondage rather than freedom?
- What does it mean to 'contemn the counsel of the most High' in contemporary life?
- Why do people view God's commands as restrictive when they actually lead to liberty?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Acts 20:27, Romans 1:28
- Word: 2 Chronicles 36:16, Jeremiah 44:16, Luke 7:30
- Parallel theme: Psalms 73:24, 78:40, 106:43, 2 Chronicles 33:10, Proverbs 1:25