Summary of Meaning

Psalms 107:21 emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and praising God for His goodness and the marvelous deeds He performs for humanity. This verse serves as a reminder that recognition of divine benevolence is essential for spiritual growth and gratitude.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights that the psalmist calls upon people to reflect on the mercies of God, particularly in times of distress. He notes the significance of recognizing God's interventions in our lives, suggesting that gratitude is a natural response to divine goodness.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes emphasizes the aspect of public expression of gratitude. He interprets this call to praise as a communal obligation, where believers should openly acknowledge God's acts of kindness and grace towards them, reinforcing the idea that gratitude strengthens community bonds.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke discusses the theological implications of God's goodness and works. He notes that understanding God's past mercies prepares believers for future hope and trust in His ongoing provision. Clarke also stresses that God's goodness is not limited to the Israelites but extends to all humanity.

Cross-References

This verse can be connected to several other scriptural passages that explore themes of praise and God's goodness:

• Psalms 100:4-5: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
• Psalms 136:1: “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.”
• Psalms 145:7: “They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.”
• Isaiah 12:4: “And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.”
• Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
• 1 Chronicles 16:34: “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.”
• Luke 17:15-16: “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks.”

Thematic Connections

The themes present in Psalms 107:21 echo throughout the Bible, offering numerous connections and reinforcing the importance of gratitude:

• Divine Goodness: The verse invites reflection on God's abundant goodness, which is echoed in the Gospels where Jesus reveals God's nature through His actions.
• Praise as a Response: Similar calls to praise found in the Psalms encourage believers to articulate their gratitude openly, linking this practice to spiritual strength.
• Community and Gratitude: The communal aspects of praise, reflected in the teachings of the New Testament, illustrate how collective acknowledgment of God strengthens community bonds.

How to Use Cross-References

Utilizing cross-references in Bible study can deepen understanding:

• Identify themes present in different verses that relate to Psalms 107:21.
• Explore the underlying messages about God's goodness and mercy.
• Utilize a bible concordance or bible cross-reference guide to find related scriptures efficiently.

Conclusion

Psalms 107:21 serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of recognizing God's goodness. Through various public domain commentaries, we can see that this verse encourages a lifestyle of gratitude and praise, not only enriching individual faith but also fostering community unity. By cross-referencing this verse with others, we discover a rich tapestry of scriptural connections that illuminates the profound themes of God's mercy and goodness throughout the Bible.