Psalm 107 7

Psalm 107:7 kjv

And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Psalm 107:7 nkjv

And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.

Psalm 107:7 niv

He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.

Psalm 107:7 esv

He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in.

Psalm 107:7 nlt

He led them straight to safety,
to a city where they could live.

Psalm 107 verses

Psalm 107 7 Meaning

Psalm 107:7 proclaims God's unfailing care for those in distress, particularly wanderers lost in desolate wildernesses. It illustrates divine intervention where God Himself takes the initiative to lead His suffering people "by the right way," guiding them precisely and purposefully. The ultimate objective of this divine leading is not merely survival, but arrival at a secure "city for a dwelling place," signifying stability, safety, provision, and permanent rest after a period of disorientation and hardship. The verse highlights God's role as a faithful guide who brings His people from chaos to order, from hunger and thirst to a place of sustenance, and from wandering to a settled home.

Psalm 107 7 Context

Psalm 107 is a grand psalm of thanksgiving, particularly emphasizing God's enduring lovingkindness (Hebrew: hesed) and wondrous works for humanity. The psalm unfolds by presenting four distinct groups of people in various forms of deep distress: wanderers lost in the wilderness, prisoners in dark dungeons, sick fools suffering for their sin, and sailors battling storms at sea. Each scenario follows a pattern: distress leading to a cry for help, God's immediate and gracious deliverance, and the repeated call to praise the Lord for His goodness (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).

Verse 7 specifically relates to the first group, described in verses 4-5 as "those who wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them." The historical backdrop often brought to mind is Israel's forty years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus, a period marked by desolation, hunger, thirst, and lack of a permanent home. However, the psalm's themes are universal, speaking to anyone experiencing spiritual, physical, or social dislocation and desperation. In this context, verse 7 portrays God's compassionate response to their cries: He directly intervenes to guide them precisely where they need to go, establishing a secure path to a longed-for settled life. It counters the ancient world's belief in arbitrary fate or uncaring deities, affirming Yahweh as a benevolent and active rescuer.

Psalm 107 7 Word analysis

• And He led them forth (וַיּוֹלִיכֵם - Vayyôlîkhēm): This Hebrew verb is from the root yalakh (to go, walk), in the Hiphil causative stem. It powerfully emphasizes God's direct, active, and decisive involvement. He doesn't merely point the way; He personally conducts and guides His people. The "He" implicitly refers to the LORD, mentioned repeatedly throughout the surrounding psalm as the one to whom the people cry out and who delivers. This highlights divine providence and God's initiative in rescuing those who are helpless and lost.
• by the right way (בְּדֶרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה - bədereḵ yəshārāh):
  • בְּדֶרֶךְ (bədereḵ): Literally "in a way" or "by a path." Derekh (דֶּרֶךְ) signifies a road, path, or journey, often used metaphorically for a course of life or conduct.
  • יְשָׁרָה (yəshārāh): This is the feminine form of yashar (יָשָׁר), meaning "straight," "right," "upright," or "level." It denotes precision, directness, and absence of deviation. More profoundly, it carries moral and ethical implications of righteousness and justice, particularly in God's eyes. It implies this is not merely the most direct route geographically, but also the morally correct and God-ordained path—one that ultimately leads to well-being and life, unlike crooked or rebellious paths that lead to destruction. It suggests a clear, purposeful path established by God, not stumbled upon by chance.
• that they might go (לָלֶכֶת - lālēḵeṯ): This infinitive construct from halakh (to go, to walk) indicates the purpose or destination of God's leading. It clarifies that His guidance is not aimless but directed towards a specific and intended outcome.
• to a city for a dwelling place (אֶל־עִיר מוֹשָׁב - el-ʿîr môšāv):
  • אֶל־עִיר (el-ʿîr): "To a city." ʿIr (עִיר) denotes a city or town. In ancient times, cities symbolized security, order, community, resources, and protection, contrasting sharply with the dangers and desolation of the wilderness.
  • מוֹשָׁב (môšāv): This noun, derived from yashab (יָשַׁב - to sit, dwell, reside), specifically means "a dwelling place," "habitation," or "settled abode." It signifies stability, permanency, and rest, rather than a temporary stop. This isn't just any city, but one intended for settled life, signifying the end of their wandering and the beginning of security and peace. The juxtaposition of "desolate wilderness" (v. 4) with a "city for a dwelling place" emphasizes the completeness of God's restoration.

Words-group analysis:

• "And He led them forth by the right way": This phrase encapsulates God's merciful initiative and the perfect nature of His guidance. It assures that God does not abandon those who cry to Him; rather, He actively and flawlessly directs their steps. The "right way" isn't merely efficient but also embodies God's righteous character, ensuring the path is true and ultimately beneficial, reflecting His holy purpose for His people.
• "that they might go to a city for a dwelling place": This section defines the desired outcome of God's perfect guidance. It highlights the transformation from a state of aimless wandering and existential threat ("no city to dwell in," v. 4) to a state of security, provision, and permanent belonging. This destination represents a divinely orchestrated fulfillment, symbolizing ultimate rest, spiritual home, and established community provided by God after hardship. It extends beyond a physical location to signify safety and stability for their very being.

Psalm 107 7 Bonus section

The concept of the "city for a dwelling place" in Psalm 107:7 holds multifaceted theological weight. While it literally speaks of a safe haven for weary travelers, it echoes Israel's yearning for their own secure land and cities, especially during and after the Babylonian exile. The Psalm's repeated refrain (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31) emphasizes that such deliverance merits profound thanksgiving and recognition of God's hesed—His covenantal lovingkindness. The polemic is subtle but present: against the polytheistic idea that humans are left to wander or that fate is random; Yahweh actively, purposely, and compassionately delivers. In a broader Christian context, this "city" points ultimately to the "city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Heb 11:10), the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2), where ultimate rest, security, and eternal dwelling with God are found, completing the journey from the "wilderness" of this life. The path to this spiritual city is Jesus Christ, who declared Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6), making His way the "right way" par excellence.

Psalm 107 7 Commentary

Psalm 107:7 is a profound testament to God's compassionate and effective providence. It beautifully articulates the journey from distress to deliverance for the first of four groups within the psalm. The verse depicts the Lord as the active, unwavering Guide who leads the lost and disoriented "by the right way." This "right way" (derekh yəshārāh) is significant, implying not just geographical precision, but also moral integrity and divine righteousness. It underscores that God’s methods are perfect and just, never leading astray. His purpose in this leading is utterly gracious: to bring them to a "city for a dwelling place," which stands in stark contrast to their previous aimless wandering and desolate state. This "city of habitation" symbolizes more than just shelter; it represents rest, security, community, provision, and stability—the culmination of God’s redemptive work in their lives, moving them from chaos to shalom. This imagery resonates with both the historical return from exile and the deeper spiritual journey of finding true rest and belonging in God.