Psalms 107:11

Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

Psalms 107:11 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 107 is a song of thanksgiving for God’s faithful deliverance. It opens with a call to thank the Lord for His goodness and mercy. The psalm then describes several groups in distress who cry out to God and are rescued. Verse 11 explains why one such group suffered: they rebelled against God’s words and contemned, or despised, the counsel of the Most High. This verse gives the reason for their affliction, which the following verses describe.

Meaning

The Hebrew parallelism in this verse pairs “words of God” with “counsel of the Most High.” This shows that rejecting God’s commands and refusing His wise guidance are closely linked. To rebel is to willfully disobey God’s authority. To contemn His counsel is to treat His wisdom with scorn. Both actions reveal a heart that does not honor God. The verse serves as a diagnosis: their darkness and bondage came from deliberate disobedience, not from random misfortune.

Biblical connections

This theme of rebellion runs through Scripture. Adam’s disobedience in the garden brought sin into the world, and every act of rebellion since then follows that pattern. The verse also connects to the broader message of Psalm 107: God responds to rebellion with discipline, but He also responds to the cry of the repentant with deliverance. The same God who judges sin is ready to save those who turn back to Him.

Application

This verse calls us to examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we resist God’s word or dismiss His guidance? We may not rebel openly, but ignoring His counsel is a form of contempt. We are invited to humble ourselves, receive His instruction, and trust in His steadfast love. When we cry out to Him in our distress, He hears and rescues us, just as He did for His people in the psalm.

Reflection

God’s words and counsel are not burdens but gifts for our good. Rebellion leads to suffering, but repentance opens the door to mercy. Let us not treat His guidance lightly. Instead, let us treasure His word and seek His wisdom, knowing that He is ready to redeem all who call on Him.