Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 107:10-16

"Such as sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Being bound in affliction and iron, Because they rebelled against the words of God, And contemned the counsel of the Most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And brake their bonds in sunder. Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass, And cut the bars of iron in sunder." — Psalms 107:10-16 (ASV)

This description of prisoners and captives suggests that they are desolate and sorrowful. In eastern prisons, captives were and are treated with much severity. Afflicting providences must be used as humbling providences; and we lose the benefit if our hearts remain unhumbled and unbroken under them.

This is a shadow of the sinner's deliverance from a far worse confinement. The awakened sinner discovers his guilt and misery. Having struggled in vain for deliverance, he finds there is no help for him except in the mercy and grace of God. His sin is forgiven by a merciful God, and his pardon is accompanied by deliverance from the power of sin and Satan, and by the sanctifying and comforting influences of God the Holy Spirit.