When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow,
Human affairs are not ruled by blind fortune but by God's judgments in all the changes and chances of this world. Adversity, shipwreck, famine, disease, war, marks His displeasure summoning us to account for our sins; prosperity flows from His grace so He may receive the praise due a merciful Father and impartial Judge.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 107:1-43
Again they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. As they change in character, so do their circumstances alter. Under the old dispensation, this was very clearly to be observed; Israel's ups and downs were the direct consequences of her sins and repentance.
The psalmist, having given God the glory of the providential reliefs granted to persons in distress, here gives him the glory of the revolutions of providence, and the surprising changes it sometimes makes in the affairs of the children of men. I. He gives some instances of these revolutions. 1. Fruitful countries are made barren and barren countries are made fruitful.
Commenting on Psalm 107:33-43