Psalms 107:20

KJV

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.

KJV (with Strong's)

He sent {H7971} his word {H1697}, and healed {H7495} them, and delivered {H4422} them from their destructions {H7825}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he sent his word and healed them, he delivered them from destruction.

Berean Standard Bible

He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit.

American Standard Version

He sendeth his word, and healeth them, And delivereth them from their destructions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:20 powerfully declares the active, life-giving efficacy of God's word. It highlights divine intervention, where God, in response to the cries of those afflicted by their own sin and folly, dispatches His authoritative command to bring about restoration from sickness and rescue from ruin. This verse underscores God's compassionate nature and the transformative power inherent in His spoken decree, demonstrating His readiness to deliver those who turn to Him in their deepest distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 107 is a corporate psalm of thanksgiving, structured around a recurring refrain ("Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress" - found in [Psalms 107:6](/psalms/107-6 "Psalms 107:6 - Crying Out in Distress"), [Psalms 107:13](/psalms/107-13 "Psalms 107:13 - Deliverance from Darkness"), [Psalms 107:19](/psalms/107-19 "Psalms 107:19 - Rescue from Affliction"), and [Psalms 107:28](/psalms/107-28 "Psalms 107:28 - Saved from the Storm")). Verse 20 falls within the third of four distinct scenarios (verses 17-22), which describes individuals who "were fools because of their transgression, and suffered affliction because of their iniquities" ([Psalms 107:17](/psalms/107-17 "Psalms 107:17 - Folly and Affliction")). Their self-destructive path led them to "draw near to the gates of death" ([Psalms 107:18](/psalms/107-18 "Psalms 107:18 - Near the Gates of Death")). It is in this dire state, after they "cried to the LORD in their trouble" ([Psalms 107:19](/psalms/107-19 "Psalms 107:19 - Crying Out for Help")), that God responds by sending His word. This immediate context emphasizes the self-inflicted nature of their plight, making God's intervention an act of pure grace and compassion, highlighting that His deliverance is available even when suffering is a consequence of one's own choices.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects a period, possibly post-exilic or late monarchical, where Israel reflected on God's enduring faithfulness through various trials. It likely served as a liturgical composition for public worship, recalling God's past deliverances for His people. The "wanderers" could refer to the wilderness generation or exiles returning, "prisoners" to those in literal captivity or spiritual bondage, and "mariners" to the common perils of ancient seafaring. Those "afflicted by their own foolishness" could be a general reflection on human sinfulness or a specific reference to the consequences of idolatry or covenant breaking in Israel's history. The concept of God's 'word' (dâbâr) having active, creative, and redemptive power was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite thought, seen in creation ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")) and prophetic utterances. Healing was often understood as a direct act of God, sometimes linked to repentance and divine intervention, and was a common theme in the ancient Near East, though Israel's understanding centered on Yahweh's unique power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms") and broader Old Testament theology.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention:** God is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in human affairs, especially in response to genuine distress and humble cries for help. This demonstrates His immanence and personal involvement in the lives of His people, contrasting with the passive deities of surrounding cultures.
* **The Efficacy and Power of God's Word:** The word is not merely information or a passive utterance but an efficacious, dynamic force that accomplishes God's will, bringing about tangible results like healing and deliverance. This theme resonates powerfully with [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose") where God declares His word will not return void, and it foreshadows the ultimate Word made flesh.
* **God's Enduring Mercy and Compassion (Hesed):** Despite human folly, sin, and self-inflicted suffering, God remains faithful to His covenant character, hearing the cries for help and extending salvation and restoration. This highlights His steadfast love that endures beyond human unfaithfulness.
* **Human Folly and its Consequences:** The psalm acknowledges that suffering can be a direct result of human sin and disobedience, yet even in such cases, God offers a path to restoration through repentance and crying out to Him, emphasizing His redemptive nature even in judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר, _dâbâr_ is far more than a simple utterance. It encompasses a concept, a decree, an event, or an active force. In this context, it emphasizes the dynamic, effective nature of God's command. It is not just information but a divine mandate that carries inherent power to bring about its intended purpose, whether creation, judgment, or, as here, healing and deliverance. It is God's active will in motion.
* **Healed (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** This primitive root, _râphâʼ_, properly means "to mend (by stitching)," but figuratively, "to cure" or "make whole." It signifies a comprehensive restoration from the dire consequences of their "destructions," which could include physical sickness, spiritual brokenness, or psychological distress. It implies a return to soundness, wholeness, and well-being, reversing the effects of their affliction.
* **Destructions (Hebrew, _shᵉchîyth'_):** Derived from the root שָׁחָה, meaning "to corrupt, ruin, destroy," _shᵉchîyth_ refers to a pit-fall (literally or figuratively), a state of ruin, corruption, or even the grave. It vividly portrays the dire, life-threatening condition from which the individuals were rescued, emphasizing the depth of their peril and the completeness of God's rescue from utter ruin or annihilation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sent his word":** This clause highlights God's active and deliberate initiative. The "sending" (from _shâlach_) implies a purposeful dispatch, not a passive observation. The "word" (_dâbâr_) is the divine agent, imbued with God's authority and power, dispatched to accomplish His will. It signifies a direct, personal intervention by God through His powerful decree, demonstrating His immediate response to their cry.
* **"and healed them":** Following the sending of the word, healing is the immediate and direct result. This demonstrates the word's efficacy in reversing the physical, spiritual, or emotional maladies that brought them to the brink of death (as described in [Psalms 107:18](/psalms/107-18 "Psalms 107:18 - Near Death's Door")). It is a restoration to wholeness and health, a reversal of their afflicted state, underscoring the life-giving power inherent in God's command.
* **"and delivered [them] from their destructions":** This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the healing. "Delivered" (from _mâlaṭ_, to escape, release, or rescue) indicates a snatching away from a perilous, ruinous state. "Destructions" (_shᵉchîyth_) refers to the deep pit of ruin, corruption, or death into which their folly had led them. God's word not only mends but also completely extricates them from the consequences of their sin, saving them from utter ruin and the very brink of annihilation, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of His salvation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Personification**, attributing active agency to God's "word" as if it were a messenger or a force dispatched to perform a task. This elevates the concept of God's spoken command beyond mere utterance to a dynamic, effective entity. There is also clear **Parallelism** between "healed them" and "delivered [them] from their destructions," where the second clause reinforces and elaborates on the first, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's restorative work—both healing and rescue. The term "destructions" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the dire, life-threatening consequences of their sin, often implying a descent into a "pit" or a state of ruin. The concise, declarative structure lends an air of **Divine Authority** and immediate efficacy to God's actions, demonstrating His omnipotent power through His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
God's word is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as the ultimate source of power, life, and truth. It is the instrument of creation, the means of revelation, and the agent of salvation. Psalms 107:20 powerfully illustrates this by showing the word's capacity to bring about physical healing and spiritual deliverance from the consequences of sin and folly. This efficacy is not limited to ancient times but remains a timeless truth for all who turn to God in distress, affirming that His word is living and active, capable of transforming the most desperate situations. It speaks to God's character as both sovereign and merciful, who responds to the cries of His people with a powerful, redemptive word.
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"): "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
* [Exodus 15:26](/exodus/15-26 "Exodus 15:26 - The LORD Who Heals You"): "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight... I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee."
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God"): "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:20 offers profound comfort and a clear directive for believers facing any form of distress. It reminds us that our God is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes through His powerful word. Whether our "destructions" are physical ailments, the spiritual brokenness resulting from our own poor choices, or overwhelming life circumstances, this verse calls us to cry out to the Lord with confidence in His compassion and the inherent efficacy of His word. It encourages us to immerse ourselves in Scripture, not merely as an academic exercise, but as a living, active force that can bring about genuine healing, restoration, and deliverance. In a world prone to self-reliance or despair, this verse points us back to the divine source of all true help, urging us to trust in God's ability to speak life and order into our chaos, just as He did at creation. It challenges us to consider how deeply we believe in the transformative power of God's revealed truth for our personal lives and for the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel in "destructions," and how might you specifically cry out to the Lord for deliverance through His word?**
* **How does understanding the active power of God's word (_dâbâr_) change your approach to reading and meditating on Scripture, and how can you more intentionally apply it?**
* **Considering that some "destructions" are self-inflicted, how does God's willingness to heal and deliver in such cases deepen your appreciation for His mercy and grace, and what does this teach us about repentance?**

### FAQ
**What does "He sent his word" imply about God's method of intervention?**

Answer: "He sent his word" implies that God's intervention is direct, authoritative, and supremely effective. It's not a passive wish but an active command. In the biblical worldview, God's word is inherently powerful; it creates (as in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation Into Being")), it reveals ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")), and it accomplishes His will without fail. This phrase suggests that God doesn't need to physically appear or use human intermediaries to heal and deliver; His very command, His divine utterance, is sufficient to bring about the desired outcome. It speaks to the omnipotence of God, where His spoken word carries the force of immediate action and fulfillment, demonstrating His sovereignty over all circumstances and His ability to transcend physical limitations to bring about His purposes.

**Is the "healing" mentioned here primarily physical or spiritual?**

Answer: The healing in Psalms 107:20 encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting a holistic understanding of human well-being in the ancient Near East. The preceding verses ([Psalms 107:17-18](/psalms/107-17 "Psalms 107:17-18 - Folly and Affliction")) describe people who "were fools because of their transgression, and suffered affliction because of their iniquities," leading them to "draw near to the gates of death." This vividly portrays a state of sickness or near-death resulting from their sin, implying significant physical consequences. However, "healing" (Hebrew _râphâʼ_) can also refer to spiritual restoration, mending broken relationships with God, or deliverance from the destructive patterns of sin that lead to ruin. Therefore, God's word brings a comprehensive healing—restoring them physically from their ailments and spiritually from the brokenness caused by their folly, leading to complete well-being and a return to life and flourishing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the living and incarnate "Word" of God. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This divine Word, through whom all things were made, became flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and dwelt among us. Jesus' earthly ministry perfectly embodied the power of God's word to heal and deliver. He healed the sick with a mere command ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), cast out demons with a word ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), and even raised the dead by His authoritative voice ([John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). More significantly, Jesus, the Word, delivered humanity from the ultimate "destructions" of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, the psalmist's experience of God sending His word to heal and deliver is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, the divine Word who brings complete salvation and restoration, offering eternal life and freedom from the pit of destruction for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Psalms 103:4

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Psalms 147:15

He sendeth forth his commandment [upon] earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

2 Kings 20:4

And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

2 Kings 20:5

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.