What does Psalms 107:26 mean?

"They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble." - Psalms 107:26

"They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble." - Psalms 107:26

Psalms 107:26 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble." This verse comes from a longer passage in Psalm 107 that describes the deliverance of God's people from various troubles and trials.

The theme of this verse centers on the idea of the power and sovereignty of God over all things, including the forces of nature. The imagery of "mounting up to the heaven" and then "going down again to the depths" conveys the idea of being at the mercy of powerful and unpredictable forces. This verse is a reminder of the fragility and ephemeral nature of human existence in the face of the vast and uncontrollable elements of the natural world.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its meaning within the broader message of Psalm 107. The psalm begins with an exhortation to give thanks to the Lord for his goodness, and then goes on to recount various examples of God's deliverance of his people from dire situations. These situations include being lost in the desert, imprisoned, and afflicted with various illnesses. In each case, the people cry out to the Lord in their distress, and he delivers them.

In verse 26, the psalmist uses vivid language to describe the experience of being caught in a tumultuous and life-threatening situation. The phrase "their soul is melted because of trouble" conveys a sense of utter despair and hopelessness. The use of the word "melted" suggests a complete dissolution of inner strength and resolve in the face of overwhelming adversity. This verse captures the depth of human suffering and the profound sense of helplessness that can accompany it.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multifaceted. The image of "mounting up to the heaven" can be seen as a metaphor for the heights of success, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. Conversely, "going down again to the depths" symbolizes the depths of despair, sorrow, and suffering. This cyclical motion reflects the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of life's ups and downs. The imagery of the soul melting because of trouble conveys the profound emotional and spiritual impact of adversity on the human spirit.

Overall, Psalm 107:26 is a powerful and evocative verse that speaks to the universal human experience of facing adversity and the deep longing for deliverance from suffering. It reminds us of the fickle and unpredictable nature of life and the profound need for a source of strength and hope beyond ourselves. Ultimately, the verse points to the unfailing faithfulness of God in delivering his people from even the most dire circumstances. It serves as a powerful reassurance that, no matter how overwhelming our troubles may seem, we can find hope and deliverance in God.

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Psalms 107:26 Artwork

Psalms 107:26 - "They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble."

Psalms 107:26 - "They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble."

"They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble." - Psalms 107:26

"They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble." - Psalms 107:26

Psalms 107:9

Psalms 107:9

Psalms 107:9

Psalms 107:9

Psalms 107:9

Psalms 107:9

Psalms 107:25 - "For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof."

Psalms 107:25 - "For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof."

"They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in." - Psalms 107:4

"They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in." - Psalms 107:4

"These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep." - Psalms 107:24

"These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep." - Psalms 107:24

Psalms 107:5 - "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them."

Psalms 107:5 - "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them."

"He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;" - Psalms 107:33

"He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;" - Psalms 107:33

"Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;" - Psalms 107:10

"Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;" - Psalms 107:10

Psalms 107:24 - "These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep."

Psalms 107:24 - "These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep."

Psalms 107:17 - "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted."

Psalms 107:17 - "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted."

"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase." - Psalms 107:37

"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase." - Psalms 107:37

Psalms 107:10 - "Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;"

Psalms 107:10 - "Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;"

"He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings." - Psalms 107:35

"He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings." - Psalms 107:35

"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." - Psalms 107:29

"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." - Psalms 107:29

"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;" - Psalms 107:23

"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;" - Psalms 107:23

Psalms 107:23 - "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;"

Psalms 107:23 - "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;"

Psalms 107:35 - "He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings."

Psalms 107:35 - "He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings."

Psalms 107:27 - "They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end."

Psalms 107:27 - "They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end."

Psalms 107:36 - "And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;"

Psalms 107:36 - "And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;"

Psalms 107:34 - "A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."

Psalms 107:34 - "A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."

Psalms 107:4 - "They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in."

Psalms 107:4 - "They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in."

Psalms 107:33 - "He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;"

Psalms 107:33 - "He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;"

"Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:" - Psalms 107:11

"Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:" - Psalms 107:11

Psalms 107:22 - "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."

Psalms 107:22 - "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."

Psalms 107:11 - "Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:"

Psalms 107:11 - "Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:"

Psalms 107:28 - "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses."

Psalms 107:28 - "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses."

Psalms 107:13 - "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses."

Psalms 107:13 - "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses."