Psalms 107:20 - He sends his word, and heals them, and delivers them from their graves.

Generated Verse: Psalms 107:20

What does "Psalms 107:20" mean?


Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance of people from various troubles. Verse 20, "He sends his word, and heals them, and delivers them from their graves," is a powerful statement about God's power to rescue and restore. Let's break it down:

"He sends his word...": This refers to God's active intervention through his divine communication. The "word" isn't just a collection of letters; it's God's powerful, creative, and life-giving speech. It can be a command, a promise, a rebuke, a teaching, or an expression of his will. The means by which this word is sent can vary – through prophets, scripture, Jesus Christ, or even a still small voice within.

"...and heals them...": This speaks of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. God's word has the power to mend broken bodies, minds, and spirits. It suggests that their suffering (the reason they are close to death) can be alleviated by God's active intervention.

"...and delivers them from their graves.": This can be understood in a few ways:

Literal death: In its most literal sense, this could refer to God's power to raise people from the dead, or to miraculously prolong their lives when they are at the point of death.
Figurative death: "Graves" can represent situations that feel like death – extreme illness, despair, oppression, addiction, or any circumstance that threatens to destroy a person's life and potential. God's word can deliver people from these "living deaths," bringing them back to life and hope. This could be the more likely interpretation within the context of the whole Psalm.

In summary, Psalm 107:20 proclaims that God, through his powerful word, has the ability to heal, restore, and rescue people from the brink of death, whether literal or figurative. It's a testament to God's compassion and his power to intervene in human suffering.

Key takeaways:

Power of God's Word: The verse highlights the effectiveness and dynamism of God's word. It is not passive, but active and transformative.
Healing and Deliverance: God's word brings both physical and spiritual healing and deliverance.
Hope: The verse offers hope to those who are suffering, reminding them that God has the power to rescue them from even the most dire circumstances.
Thanksgiving: Ultimately, this verse, like the entire psalm, encourages thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and his acts of deliverance.

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