They cried out to the LORD in their darkest place, and He delivered them.
“Their soul abhorred all kinds of food, And they drew near to the gates of death” (v.18) describes a point of utter desperation and physical weakness. In the broader context of Psalm 107, the psalmist outlines different scenarios in which people find themselves in dire circumstances, then calls on the LORD, who faithfully delivers them. The phrase “Their soul abhorred all kinds of food” (v.18) illustrates how these individuals have lost their appetite, symbolizing a loss of hope or even the basic will to live. This physical decline corresponds to spiritual despair, underscoring their pressing need for God’s intervention. The expression “they drew near to the gates of death” (v.18) paints an image of being at death’s doorstep, in a state so dire that only a divine rescue could save them.
This verse builds on God’s consistent pattern of responding to those who cry out to Him. Though they have sunk to extreme lowliness, the psalm highlights that when the afflicted humbly turn back to the LORD, He graciously restores and rescues (Psalm 107:19-20). This echoes the overarching biblical theme of God’s mercy toward the penitent. It also aligns with the teaching of Jesus, who extends compassion to those who are spiritually helpless (Matthew 9:12-13). By recognizing their desperation, these afflicted souls are in a position to receive God’s deliverance, demonstrating that sincere acknowledgement of one’s dire need draws God’s healing power.
In the historical context, Psalm 107 is believed to have been composed for a post-exilic community or as a general psalm of thanksgiving for God’s redemptive works. Although no specific geographical location is mentioned directly in this verse, the phrase “the gates of death” (v.18) metaphorically alludes to crossing the threshold into the realm of the dead, a concept known in Hebrew thought as Sheol. The focus remains on the universality of how God delivers the faithful from peril—no matter how bleak the situation.
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Psalms 107:18 meaning
“Their soul abhorred all kinds of food, And they drew near to the gates of death” (v.18) describes a point of utter desperation and physical weakness. In the broader context of Psalm 107, the psalmist outlines different scenarios in which people find themselves in dire circumstances, then calls on the LORD, who faithfully delivers them. The phrase “Their soul abhorred all kinds of food” (v.18) illustrates how these individuals have lost their appetite, symbolizing a loss of hope or even the basic will to live. This physical decline corresponds to spiritual despair, underscoring their pressing need for God’s intervention. The expression “they drew near to the gates of death” (v.18) paints an image of being at death’s doorstep, in a state so dire that only a divine rescue could save them.
This verse builds on God’s consistent pattern of responding to those who cry out to Him. Though they have sunk to extreme lowliness, the psalm highlights that when the afflicted humbly turn back to the LORD, He graciously restores and rescues (Psalm 107:19-20). This echoes the overarching biblical theme of God’s mercy toward the penitent. It also aligns with the teaching of Jesus, who extends compassion to those who are spiritually helpless (Matthew 9:12-13). By recognizing their desperation, these afflicted souls are in a position to receive God’s deliverance, demonstrating that sincere acknowledgement of one’s dire need draws God’s healing power.
In the historical context, Psalm 107 is believed to have been composed for a post-exilic community or as a general psalm of thanksgiving for God’s redemptive works. Although no specific geographical location is mentioned directly in this verse, the phrase “the gates of death” (v.18) metaphorically alludes to crossing the threshold into the realm of the dead, a concept known in Hebrew thought as Sheol. The focus remains on the universality of how God delivers the faithful from peril—no matter how bleak the situation.