Psalms 107:10-16

Psalms 107:10-16

[10] Such as sit  in darkness  and in the shadow of death,  being bound  in affliction  and iron;  [11] Because they rebelled  against the words  of God,  and contemned  the counsel  of the most High:  [12] Therefore he brought down  their heart  with labour;  they fell down,  and there was none to help.  [13] Then they cried  in their trouble,  and he saved  them out of their distresses.  [14] He brought them out  of darkness  and the shadow of death,  their bands  in sunder.  [15] Oh that men would praise  the LORD  for his goodness,  and for his wonderful works  to the children  of men!  [16] For he hath broken  the gates  of brass,  the bars  of iron  in sunder. 

What does Psalms 107:10-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Second, the Lord delivered his captive people when they cried out to Him (cf. Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 1:79; Luke 4:18-19). God had set them free. He provided freedom for those held in captivity because of their sins. This is another clue that this psalm dates from after the Babylonian captivity. Perhaps this stanza inspired Charles Wesley to write "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?"
"Long my imprisoned spirit layFast bound in sin and nature"s night;Thine eye diffused a quick"ning ray,I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;My chains fell off, my heart was free,I rose, went forth, and followed Thee."