A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
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
A fruitful land into barrenness. This has been done in many instances, and notably in the case of the psalmist's own country, which was once the glory of all lands and is now almost a desert. For the wickedness of them that dwell therein. Sin is at the bottom of sorrow.
The sin of inhabitants ruins the soil itself. Rivers become deserts, springs vanish into dry, salty ground, not by chance but by God's just judgment on the wickedness of those who dwell there. Yet His goodness does the opposite: He turns wilderness into water-springs, making barren land abundantly fruitful.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 107:33-43