He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

PSALMS 107:33KJV
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Psalms 107:33 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:33 mean?

Psalms 107:33 says that God has the power to change the natural world, turning rivers into wilderness and watersprings into dry ground. This verse highlights God’s control over creation, showing that even life-giving water can be taken away by His will.

The psalm is a song of thanksgiving, likely sung by the people of Israel after returning from exile. The speaker is reflecting on how God can both bless and judge, using nature itself to show His power. In this part of the psalm, the focus is on God’s ability to bring hardship or loss, often as a response to people’s actions or as part of His greater plan.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:33

  • "Turneth" (שָׂם, sām): This word means “to set,” “to place,” or “to make.” Here, it emphasizes that God actively causes the change, not just allowing it to happen.
  • "Rivers" (נָהָר, nāhār): This word refers to flowing streams or rivers, often seen as sources of life and abundance in the ancient world.
  • "Wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbār): This term means a desert or barren place, highlighting the dramatic shift from a fertile area to a lifeless one.
  • "Watersprings" (מַיִם, mayim; מוֹצָא, motsā’): "Mayim" means water, and "motsā’" means a source or spring. Together, they describe places where water naturally flows out of the ground, essential for survival.
  • "Ground" (עֲרָבָה, ‘ărāvāh): This word means dry or parched land, reinforcing the idea of complete dryness where there was once water.

Why Psalms 107:33 matters

  • Psalms 107:33 clears up the idea that the natural world is outside of God’s influence; it shows that God can change even the most dependable parts of creation.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s authority to both give and take away, which is a theme throughout Psalms 107 as the psalmist recounts times of both blessing and hardship.
  • Understanding this verse helps the reader see the larger message of the psalm: God responds to people’s situations and actions, and His power is not limited by nature or circumstance.

Where else these words appear

“ground” Hebrew H6774 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
  • Isaiah 35:7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

“watersprings” Hebrew H4161 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 30:12 But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
  • Isaiah 41:18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

“rivers” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.