Psalms 107:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:18
18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, obedience, love. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 107:18
18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
Analysis
This verse describes the severity of affliction. 'Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat' means loss of appetite—food becomes repulsive. 'And they draw near unto the gates of death' depicts life-threatening condition. 'Gates of death' (shaar maveth, שַׁעַר מָוֶת) is boundary language—they're at death's threshold. This terminal condition emphasizes helplessness: they can't heal themselves, can't even eat for strength. Only divine intervention can rescue from death's gates. This prefigures Christ, who 'descended into hell' (Apostles' Creed), entering death's realm to liberate captives and destroy death's power (1 Peter 3:18-20; Hebrews 2:14-15).
Historical Context
Near-death sickness appears throughout Scripture: Hezekiah (Isaiah 38), Job (Job 2:7-8; 17:1), David (Psalm 6:4-5), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:27). Each required God's intervention to escape death's gates. The imagery appears in Jesus' promise that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail' against the church (Matthew 16:18)—death cannot hold God's people. Resurrection guarantees passage through death's gates to life.
Reflection
- What does approaching 'the gates of death' teach about human mortality and frailty?
- How does Christ's victory over death ensure believers pass safely through death's gates?
- In what ways does terminal illness reveal our dependence on God?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 9:13, 88:3, Isaiah 38:10