Psalm 107 2

Psalm 107:2 kjv

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

Psalm 107:2 nkjv

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

Psalm 107:2 niv

Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story? those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

Psalm 107:2 esv

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

Psalm 107:2 nlt

Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.

Psalm 107 verses

Psalm 107 2 Meaning

Psalm 107:2 serves as a call to action for those who have experienced God's redemptive power. It specifically mandates that "the redeemed of the LORD" publicly declare their deliverance. This verse highlights that their salvation is directly attributed to God, who freed them from the dominion or oppression of their enemies. It establishes a direct link between experiencing God's work and offering vocal gratitude and testimony, affirming God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Psalm 107 2 Context

Psalm 107 initiates the fifth book of the Psalter, commencing with a resounding call to praise God for His unwavering goodness and steadfast love (Hesed). Verse 2 then directs this call specifically to "the redeemed of the LORD." The entire psalm serves as a thanksgiving hymn, illustrating various perilous situations from which the LORD delivers His people: wilderness wanderers, prisoners, the sick, and seafarers caught in storms. In each scenario, distress leads to crying out to God, who hears and brings salvation. The recurring refrain, "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" reinforces the theme of grateful testimony. Historically, the psalm may have served as a liturgy for those returning from exile or as a general celebration of God's redemptive acts in Israel's history, such as the exodus from Egypt or deliverance from various national enemies. It subtly asserts that Yahweh, not human strength or any other deity, is the ultimate source of salvation and restoration, thereby providing a clear distinction against prevailing polytheistic beliefs of the ancient Near East.

Psalm 107 2 Word analysis

• Let the redeemed: The Hebrew word for "redeemed" is ge'ulei (גְאוּלֵי), derived from the verb ga'al (גאל). This term is rich with meaning, primarily referring to the act of buying back, rescuing, or ransoming. In ancient Israelite law, a go'el (kinsman-redeemer) had specific responsibilities, including rescuing relatives from slavery or financial distress. Here, God Himself assumes the role of the supreme Go'el for His people. The phrase Let the redeemed (יֹאמְרוּ גְאוּלֵי - yomeru ge'ulei) carries an imperative or injunctive force, suggesting it's not merely an option but a duty or a strong call for those who have experienced God's liberation to voice it.
• of the LORD: Refers to YHWH (יְהוָה), the covenant name of God, revealing His personal and active involvement in the lives of His people. It emphasizes that this redemption is not a generic rescue but an act performed by the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It sets the LORD apart as the exclusive source of genuine salvation.
• say so: The Hebrew yomeru (יֹאמְרוּ) literally means "they shall say" or "let them say." This implies a public, verbal confession or declaration. It’s an act of witness and testimony, not just private gratitude. It calls for those delivered to openly acknowledge and proclaim what God has done. This stands in contrast to silence or ingratitude, which dishonor God's works.
• Whom He has redeemed: This reiterates and reinforces the identity of the "redeemed" and the agent of redemption. The verb redeemed here, ge'alam (גְּאָלָם), is the past tense form of ga'al, indicating a completed action. God's redemption is a finished, decisive work. The repetition underscores the certainty and singular origin of their deliverance—it is solely His doing.
• from the hand: The phrase miy-yad (מִיַּד) is an idiom for "from the power," "from the grasp," "from the dominion," or "from the control." It vividly portrays the previous state of the "redeemed" as being entirely under the sway and oppressive grip of another.
• of the enemy: The Hebrew tzar (צָר) can mean "adversary," "foe," "oppressor," or "one who causes distress." It's a broad term that can encompass personal adversaries, national foes, spiritual enemies (like Satan in broader biblical theology, though not explicitly in this verse's immediate context), or even abstract concepts like trouble, distress, or death. It emphasizes that redemption involves liberation from a source of opposition, danger, or confinement. This deliverance is not partial but from the comprehensive control of this oppressor.

Psalm 107 2 Bonus section

• The chiastic structure often observed in Hebrew poetry sometimes positions key elements centrally or uses repetition to highlight meaning. The repetition of the root ga'al ("redeemed") within the single verse powerfully reinforces the theme of God's unique and singular redemptive work.
• While the immediate context refers to physical deliverance from tangible enemies or distress, the concept of redemption in the broader biblical narrative culminates in spiritual redemption through Christ. Thus, Ps 107:2 provides an Old Testament theological foundation that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament understanding of salvation from sin and death through Jesus' sacrifice.
• The communal nature of the call to "say so" indicates that individual testimonies are to be woven into the fabric of the corporate worship and declaration of God's people, serving both as an encouragement to fellow believers and a witness to the world.

Psalm 107 2 Commentary

Psalm 107:2 provides the core identity and mandate for the participants in the grand narrative of God's redemptive love outlined in the subsequent verses. It identifies the target audience—those unequivocally marked by God's powerful rescue. This rescue, depicted by the deeply significant term "redeemed" (ga'al), means more than simple deliverance; it implies a costly, covenantal act of buying back from bondage. This sets the stage for God as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. The imperative to "say so" transforms their personal experience into a communal testimony. It's a call to publicly acknowledge, vocalize, and share the narrative of their liberation, ensuring that God receives the glory and that future generations understand His faithfulness. This isn't just about emotional expression; it's a foundational truth declaration. Their redemption, accomplished by the LORD from the "hand of the enemy"—signifying complete overthrow of a formidable power—demands an undeniable and public response of thanksgiving and proclamation. Practically, this verse compels believers today to recount God's specific deliverances in their lives, acknowledging Him as their Redeemer from sin, death, and all forms of bondage, fostering gratitude and strengthening faith within the community.