Psalms 107:19

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saveth them out of their distresses.

Then they cry {H2199} unto the LORD {H3068} in their trouble {H6862}, and he saveth {H3467} them out of their distresses {H4691}.

In their trouble they cried to ADONAI, and he rescued them from their distress;

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.

Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saveth them out of their distresses.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 107:19 (KJV)

Psalms 107:19 encapsulates a profound truth about God's character and His interaction with humanity: our desperate cry in trouble is met with His divine deliverance. This verse is part of a larger psalm of thanksgiving, highlighting God's steadfast love (Hebrew: hesed) and redemptive power across various human predicaments.

Context

Psalm 107 is structured around four distinct groups of people who experience distress, cry out to the Lord, and are subsequently delivered. Each section culminates in an exhortation to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Verse 19 specifically falls within the third scenario (verses 17-22), which describes those who were afflicted "because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities". Their suffering was a consequence of their own foolish choices, yet even in their self-inflicted pain, God remained accessible and ready to rescue them upon their sincere appeal. This demonstrates that God's mercy extends even to those whose troubles are a result of their own sin.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Prayer in Distress: The verse emphasizes the critical act of "crying unto the LORD." This is not a casual request but a desperate, urgent plea born out of deep trouble, signifying a recognition of human helplessness and a turning to divine intervention.
  • God's Immediate and Effective Deliverance: The swift response, "he saveth them," highlights God's readiness and ability to rescue His people. It showcases His character as a compassionate and powerful Deliverer who does not abandon those who call upon Him.
  • Divine Response to Human Need: This verse underscores a foundational principle of God's relationship with humanity: He hears and responds to the cries of His people, regardless of the cause of their "distresses."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cry unto the LORD" comes from the Hebrew word tsa'aq (Χ¦Χ’Χ§), which denotes a strong, urgent, and often desperate cry for help, particularly in times of oppression or severe trouble. It is more than just praying; it is an outcry of distress. The word "saveth" is from the Hebrew yasha (Χ™Χ©Χ’), meaning to deliver, rescue, or bring salvation. This root is famously linked to the name "Jesus" (Yeshua), underscoring God's inherent nature as a rescuer and deliverer. "Distresses" (Hebrew: metsarim) refers to narrow places, straits, or anguish, vividly portraying a situation of being hemmed in with no apparent way out.

Practical Application

Psalms 107:19 offers profound encouragement for all generations. It reminds us that no situation is beyond God's reach, and no trouble, whether self-inflicted or circumstantial, is too great for His power. When we find ourselves in "distresses," feeling trapped or overwhelmed, this verse urges us to turn to the Lord with a sincere and urgent cry for help. It reassures us of His faithfulness to hear and His power to deliver. This divine promise is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming that God promises to answer when we call upon Him. It invites us to trust in God's mercy and power to bring salvation out of our deepest anguish.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:34

    When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

  • Psalms 78:35

    And they remembered that God [was] their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

  • Psalms 34:4

    I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

  • Psalms 34:6

    This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

  • Psalms 30:8

    I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.

  • Psalms 30:12

    To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

  • Psalms 107:6

    Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses.
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