Psalms 107:18

“Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat, and they draw near unto the gates of death.”

1. Context and Background: Psalm 107 is a beautiful psalm that focuses on God’s deliverance and redemption. It highlights different situations where people find themselves in distress and cry out to the Lord, who rescues them from their troubles. The verse in question, verse 18, describes a specific scenario where individuals are near death due to their refusal to eat.

In this psalm, the psalmist is referring to a group of people whose souls or inner beings have become repulsed by food. They have lost their appetite, and as a result, they are on the verge of death. The phrase “draw near unto the gates of death” signifies the severity of their condition. It portrays a dire situation where their lives are hanging by a thread.

2. Analysis of Psalm 107:18: In this verse, the psalmist is referring to a group of people whose souls or inner beings have become repulsed by food. They have lost their appetite, and as a result, they are on the verge of death. The phrase “draw near unto the gates of death” signifies the severity of their condition. It portrays a dire situation where their lives are hanging by a thread.

3. Spiritual Application: The verse can be interpreted metaphorically to represent not only physical hunger but also spiritual hunger. Just as these individuals lost their appetite for food, we can sometimes experience a loss of appetite for spiritual nourishment. This can occur when we neglect spending time with God, reading His Word, or participating in spiritual disciplines. It can lead to a state of spiritual lethargy and decline.

The imagery of being on the brink of death highlights the consequences of neglecting our spiritual well-being. Just as a lack of physical sustenance can lead to physical weakness and even death, neglecting our spiritual nourishment can leave us spiritually weak and distant from God. It is a reminder of the importance of regularly seeking God, engaging in prayer, and studying His Word.

The overall theme of Psalm 107 is God’s faithfulness in delivering and restoring His people. In the subsequent verses, the psalmist describes how God rescues those in distress when they cry out to Him. This verse, although depicting a grim situation, sets the stage for God’s intervention. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, when we are on the brink of despair, God is able to restore us and bring us back to life.