Psalms 107:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:38
38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, sacrifice, covenant. 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 107:38
38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Analysis
This verse describes God's blessing on restored community. 'He blesseth them also' shows divine favor actively bestowed. 'Blesseth' (barak, בָּרַךְ) means to kneel, bless, or make prosperous. 'So that they are multiplied greatly' indicates population growth—fulfilling Abrahamic covenant promises. 'And suffereth not their cattle to decrease' adds agricultural prosperity. 'Cattle' (behemah, בְּהֵמָה) means livestock or beasts of burden—economic wealth. God's blessing encompasses both human and agricultural multiplication. This demonstrates comprehensive blessing: people, food production, livestock—total flourishing. Covenant faithfulness brings God's active blessing on all life dimensions.
Historical Context
Post-exilic restoration included population and agricultural recovery. Zechariah prophesied streets full of children and old people—population growth after decimation (Zechariah 8:4-5). Nehemiah recorded repopulating Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11). God's promise to Abraham ('I will multiply thy seed,' Genesis 22:17) continued through return from exile. For the church, spiritual multiplication fulfills this—believers multiplied as gospel spreads (Acts 2:41, 47; 6:7). God blesses His people with growth.
Reflection
- How does God's blessing manifest in both human and material multiplication?
- What is the relationship between covenant faithfulness and comprehensive flourishing?
- How does the church's growth fulfill God's promises of multiplication and blessing?
Cross-References
- Blessing: Genesis 9:1, 12:2, 17:16, 17:20, Deuteronomy 7:14, Proverbs 10:22
- Parallel theme: Genesis 30:43, Exodus 1:7, Deuteronomy 30:9, Jeremiah 30:19