Psalms 107:4

“They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way, etc.] Not the people of Israel, as the Targum. These seem not to be particularly intended, whatever allusion there may be to their passage through the wilderness to Canaan’s land; but rather, in general, travellers through waste places, especially the wild deserts of Arabia; where the wind blowing the sand, covers the roads with it, so that frequently travellers lose their way, and wander about, till directed to it by one providence or another. Some compare this with the case of the Old Testament saints, mentioned in (<581137>Hebrews 11:37,38) others with the church in the wilderness, and the witnesses prophesying in sackcloth,…”

“They wandered in the wilderness - On their return from Babylon; or, when God was conducting them again to their own land. The word “wilderness” in the Scriptures means a desolate, barren, uninhabited region, usually destitute of trees, of springs, and of water-courses. It does not denote, as it does with us, a region of extensive “forests.” Compare the notes at Matthew 4:1. In a solitary way - Rather, in a “waste” way; a land that was desolate and uncultivated. They found no city to dwell in - In their journeyings. This was true of the region between Babylon and Palestine; a wide, barren, desolate waste. return to 'Top of Page'”

“No city - Or rather, no town inhabited, where they might refresh themselves. Psalms 107:6”

“107:4-9 Those who were lost in the wilderness thank God for his rescue. The wilderness might be a metaphor for leaving the path of wisdom (1:1; Prov 4:10-15).”

“wandered: Psa 107:40; Gen 21:14-16; Num 14:33; Deu 8:15, Deu 32:10; Job 12:24; Eze 34:6, Eze 34:12; Heb 11:38; Rev 12:6 they found: This is the first similitude; in which the Israelites in captivity are compared to travellers in a dreary, uninhabited, and barren desert, spent with hunger and thirst, as well as by the fatigues of the journey. Psalms 107:5”

“It has actually come to pass, the first strophe tells us, that they wandered in a strange land through deserts and wastes, and seemed likely to have to succumb to death from hunger. According to Psa 107:40 and Isa 43:19, it appears that Psa 107:4 ought to be read לא־דרך (Olshausen, Baur, and Thenius); but the line is thereby lengthened inelegantly. The two words, joined by Munach, stand in the construct state, like פּרא אדם, Gen 16:12 : a waste of a way = ἔρημος ὁδός, Act 8:26 (Ewald, Hitzig), which is better suited to the poetical style than that דּרך, as in משׁנה־כּסףp, and the like, should be an accusative of nearer definition (Hengstenberg). In connection with עיר מושׁב the poet, who…”