Psalms 107:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:14
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, discipleship, mercy. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 107:14
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Analysis
This verse describes deliverance from imprisonment. 'He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death' reverses verse 10. 'Brought out' (yatsa, יָצָא) is exodus language—the same word for Israel's departure from Egypt. Deliverance from darkness is exodus from death's realm. 'And brake their bands in sunder' uses nathaq (נָתַק), meaning to tear apart, snap, or break off. God shatters chains that bind. This applies to exile (broken chains of captivity) and spiritually to regeneration (broken chains of sin). Only divine power breaks bonds of death and darkness; human effort cannot free ourselves from sin's prison.
Historical Context
Cyrus's decree shattered Babylon's hold on Jewish captives, enabling return (Isaiah 45:13; Ezra 1:1-4). God 'broke the bands' of exile. For Christian theology, this prefigures Christ's resurrection victory that broke death's power and Satan's authority (Hebrews 2:14-15; Colossians 2:15). Regeneration brings exodus from darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9), and justification breaks sin's enslaving power.
Reflection
- How does deliverance from darkness parallel the exodus and Christian conversion?
- What 'bands' or chains does Christ break in the salvation experience?
- In what ways does regeneration constitute being 'brought out of darkness into light'?
Cross-References
- Darkness: Psalms 107:10, Isaiah 42:16, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Peter 2:9
- Parallel theme: Psalms 68:6, 102:20, 116:16, Isaiah 61:1, Acts 5:19, 5:25