Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.1
The implication of redemption in this verse is the restoration of relationship. In the OT, the term redeem was a secular word which meant rescue from slavery to freedom. Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.2 Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.3 So he saved them from the hand of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy.4 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.5
It likewise was used to mean the buying back of property—a slave sold. He was known as the kinsman redeemer.6 In both instances, they were destitute and needed a rescuer since their situation was beyond them.
In the NT, the term meant payment for sin. Consider, the holiness of God demands perfection.7 Thus, no one can qualify on their own effort. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.8 Only Jesus may save us! And so the Father sent him.9 To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.10 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.11
It likewise meant a change of ownership. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.12
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.13 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!14 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!15
Notes:
1. Psalm 107:1-3
2. Exodus 6:6
3. Psalm 105:37
4. Psalm 106:10
5. Psalm 105:43
6. Leviticus 25:47-49
7. Matthew 5:48
8. Romans 3:22b-23
9. John 1:14
10. John 1:12
11. Ephesians 1:7-10
12. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
13. Psalm 107:43
14. Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31
15. Psalm 107:22
