He turns rivers into a wilderness, and the water springs into dry ground; a fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of those who dwell in it. (Psalm 107:33-34)

In the first part of this psalm, the composer elaborated on how God could and does transform a dangerous and trying situation into one of rejoicing and deliverance. In these verses, the psalmist looks at the other side of the coin and details how God can also change the natural landscape at will as a response to people’s evil deeds. For example, before they were completely destroyed, Sodom, Gomorrah and the other cities of the plain existed in the middle of a green, fertile valley. However, because their wickedness was so great, God rained fire and brimstone upon it, turning it into a desolate and barren wilderness.

In an instant, the Creator can transform a paradise into a parched wasteland; He can cause rivers of waters to become rivers of dust. As the psalmist indicates, He does this in response to man’s wickedness, thus demonstrating that He insists upon obedience and especially from those He calls His own. He speaks to us through His creation, either demonstrating His favor and approval, or in this case, His displeasure. I would add that Scripture reveals, long before things reach the critical stage, He tries to get our attention in the hopes that we will be provoked to repentance. In other words, destruction such as what occurred to the five cities of the plain is usually a last resort.

Obviously, none of us want to know what it is like to experience this level of rebuke and punishment but we have to acknowledge that this can happen to His people when they refuse to comply with His will. The prophet Joel spoke to a rebellious generation who experienced severe drought when rivers were turned into dry wadis. That was followed by an invasion of every type of locust who devoured whatever survived the drought. In the days of Elijah, a disobedient Israel suffered years of drought and famine, and there are other such examples. The point is that, knowing this, you and I should be people who are diligent in our commitment to obey. May it be that our hearts are continually sensitive to His voice and to His reproof, and that we are quick to turn from attitudes and deeds that would provoke Him to anger. He is a loving Father and, because He is our Father, He will do what He must to provoke His children to walk in obedience.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill