Psalms 107:36 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; And there he maketh the hungry to dwell - All this seems to apply admirably to the first colonists of any place. They flee from a land of want, an ingrata terra that did not repay their toil, and they seek the wilderness where the land wants only cultivation to make it produce all the necessaries of life. He, by his providence, so guides their steps as to lead them to rivers which they can navigate, and from which they can procure plenty of fish, and shows them wells or springs which they have not digged. The hungry dwell there; and jointly agree, for convenience and defense, to build them a city for habitation. They sow the fields which they have cleared; and plant vineyards, and orchards which yield them in creasing fruits, Psalms 107:37, and he multiplies their cattle greatly, and does not suffer them to decrease, Psalms 107:38. What a fine picture is this of the first peopling and planting of America, and of the multiplication and extension of that people; of the Divine blessing on their industry, and the general and astonishing prosperity of their country! May they never again know what is spoken in the following verse:

Psalms 107:36

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;