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Psalms 107:11 meaning

God’s mercy is vast, but the consequences of rejecting His words are sobering.

For they had rebelled against the words of God And spurned the counsel of the Most High (v.11). This verse highlights the ways in which God’s people resisted His guidance, ignoring His commandments and rebelling against His authority. In the broader context of Psalm 107, the psalmist describes people suffering as a direct result of their disobedience and then calling out for divine deliverance. The phrase “spurned the counsel of the Most High” underscores that their plight was not because God arbitrarily deserted them but rather because they willingly turned their backs on His wisdom. Similar patterns of rebellion preceded times of captivity and hardship throughout Israel’s history (2 Kings 17:7-8), showing that it was the people’s stubbornness that brought calamity upon them, rather than any deficiency on God’s part.

By stating they had rebelled against the words of God (v.11), the psalmist paints a picture of sincere counsel repeatedly ignored. God’s words are not mere suggestions; they bring life and provision for all who heed them (Matthew 4:4). To disregard such counsel is to choose a path of self-inflicted separation from divine protection. Even in times of wandering, however, Psalm 107 goes on to reveal that when the people cry out to the Lord, He delivers them and leads them out of their distress. This theme ultimately points toward the hope found in turning from error and seeking God’s mercy, a message echoed in the New Testament regarding repentance and restoration (Luke 15:21-24).

The phrase spurned the counsel of the Most High (v.11) also opens a window into the merciful nature of God’s response to repentance. Despite humanity’s repeated failures, when people humble themselves, God remains faithful to rescue. Psalm 107 repeatedly shows a cycle of rebellion, repentance, and redemption. In a broader biblical sense, this cycle is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers the ultimate path back to God (John 14:6). By depicting both mankind’s rebellion and God’s unwavering readiness to forgive, the psalmist reminds readers that no matter how far we stray, the door to redemption stands open.

Psalms 107:11