TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Complete Jewish Bible
In their trouble they cried to ADONAI, and he rescued them from their distress.
Berean Standard Bible
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress.
American Standard Version
Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses.
World English Bible Messianic
Then they cry to the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distress.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then they crie vnto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresse.
Young's Literal Translation
And they cry to Jehovah in their adversity, And from their distresses He bringeth them out.
In the KJVVerse 15,728 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 23–32
23 ¶ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
The psalmist here calls upon those to give glory to God who are delivered from dangers at sea. Though the Israelites dealt not much in merchandise, yet their neighbours the Tyrians and Zidonians did, and for them perhaps this part of the psalm was especially calculated.
I. Much of the power of God appears at all times in the sea, Psa 107:23, Psa 107:24. It appears to those that go down to the sea in ships, as mariners, merchants, fishermen, or passengers, that do business in great waters. And surely none will expose themselves there but those that have business (among all Solomon's pleasant things we do not read of any pleasure-boat he had), but those that go on business, lawful business, may, in faith, put themselves under the divine protection. These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders, which are the more surprising, because most are born and bred upon land, and what passes at sea is new to them. The deep itself is a wonder, its vastness, its saltness, its ebbing and flowing. The great variety of living creatures in the sea is wonderful. Let those that go to sea be led, by all the wonders they observe there, to consider and adore the infinite perfections of that God whose the sea is, for he made it and manages it.
II. It especially appears in storms at sea, which are much more terrible than at land. Observe here, 1. How dangerous and dreadful a tempest at sea is. Then wonders begin to appear in the deep, when God commands and raises the strong wind, which fulfils his word, Psa 148:8. He raises the winds, as a prince by his commission raises forces. Satan pretends to be the prince of the power of the air; but he is a pretender; the powers of the air are at God's command, not at his. When the wind becomes stormy it lifts up the waves of the sea, Psa 107:25. Then the ships are kicked like tennis-balls on the tops of the waves; they seem to mount up to the heavens, and then they couch again, as if they would go down to the depths, Psa 107:26. A stranger, who had never seen it, would not think it possible for a ship to live at sea, as it will in a storm, and ride it out, but would expect that the next wave would bury it and it would never come up again; and yet God, who taught man discretion to make ships that should so strangely keep above water, does by his special providence preserve them, that they answer the end to admiration. When the ships are thus tossed the soul of the seaman melts because of trouble; and, when the storm is very high, even those that are used to the sea can neither shake off nor dissemble their fears, but they reel to and fro, and tossing makes them giddy, and they stagger and are sick, it may be, like a drunken man; the whole ship's crew are in confusion and quite at their wits' end (Psa 107:27), not knowing what to do more for their preservation; all their wisdom is swallowed up, and they are ready to give up themselves for gone, Jon 1:5, etc. 2. How seasonable it is at such a time to pray. Those that go to sea must expect such perils as are here described, and the best preparation they can make for them is to make sure a liberty of access to God by prayer, for then they will cry unto the Lord, Psa 107:28. We have a saying, "Let those that would learn to pray go to sea;" I say, Let those that will go to sea learn to pray, and accustom themselves to pray, that they may come with the more boldness to the throne of grace when they are in trouble. Even heathen mariners, in a storm, cried every man to his god; but those that have the Lord for their God have a present and powerful help in that and every other time of need, so that when they are at their wits' end they are not at their faith's end. 3. How wonderfully God sometimes appears for those that are in distress at sea, in answer to their prayers: He brings them out of the danger; and, (1.) The sea is still: He makes the storm a calm, Psa 107:29. The winds fall, and only by their soft and gentle murmurs serve to lull the waves asleep again, so that the surface of the sea becomes smooth and smiling. By this Christ proved himself to be more than a man that even the winds and the seas obeyed him. (2.) The seamen are made easy: They are glad because they are quiet, quiet from the noise, quiet from the fear of evil. Quietness after a storm is a very desirable thing, and sensibly pleasant. (3.) The voyage becomes prosperous and successful: So he brings them to their desired haven, Psa 107:30. Thus he carries his people safely through all the storms and tempests that they meet with in their voyage heaven-ward, and lands them, at length, in the desired harbour. 4. How justly it is expected that all those who have had a safe passage over the sea, and especially who have been delivered from remarkable perils at sea, should acknowledge it with thankfulness, to the glory of God. Let them do it privately in their closets and families. Let them praise the Lord for his goodness to themselves and others, Psa 107:31. Let them do it publicly (Psa 107:32), in the congregation of the people and in the assembly of the elders; there let them erect the memorials of their deliverance, to the honour of God, and for the encouragement of others to trust him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 23–32. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 107
..."They who go down on the sea in ships, doing their business on the mighty waters" [Psalm 107:23]; that is, among many peoples. For that waters are often put for peoples, the Apocalypse of John is witness, when on John's asking what those waters were, it was answered him, they are peoples. They then who do their business on mighty waters, "they have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep" [Psalm 107:24]. For what is deeper than human hearts? Hence often break forth winds; storms of sedition, and dissensions, disturb the ship. And what is done in them? God, willing that both they who steer, and they who are conveyed, should cry unto Him, "He spoke, and the breath of the storm stood" [Psalm 107:25]. What is, stood? Abode, continued, still disturbs, long tosses; rages, and passes not away. "For He spoke, and the breath of the storm stood." And what did that breath of the storm? "They go up even to the heavens," in daring; "They go down even into the deeps" [Psalm 107:26], in fearing. "Their soul wasted in miseries." "They were disturbed, and moved like a drunken man" [Psalm 107:27]. They who sit at the helm, and they who faithfully love the ship, feel what I say. Certainly, when they speak, when they read, when they interpret, they appear wise. Woe for the storm! "and all their wisdom," he says, "was swallowed up." Sometimes all human counsels fail; whichever way one turns himself, the waves roar, the storm rages, the arms are powerless: where the prow may strike, to what wave the side may be exposed, whither the stricken ship may be allowed to drift, from what rocks she must be kept back lest she be lost, is impossible for her pilots to see. And what is left but that which follows? "And they cried out unto the Lord when they were troubled, and He delivered them from their distresses" [Psalm 107:28]. "And He commanded the storm, and it stood unto clear air" [Psalm 107:29], "and the waves of it were still." Hear on this point the voice of a steersman, one that was in peril, was brought low, was freed. "I would not," he says, have you ignorant, brethren, of our distress, which befell us in Asia, that "we were pressed above strength, and above measure" (I see all his "wisdom swallowed up"), "so that we were weary," he says, "even of life." [2 Corinthians 1:8] ...
"And they were glad, because they were still, and He brought them into the haven of their desire" [Psalm 107:30]. "Let His mercies confess unto the Lord, and His wonders towards the sons of men" [Psalm 107:31]. Everywhere, without exception, let not our merits, not our strength, not our wisdom, "confess unto the Lord," but, "His mercies." Let Him be loved in every deliverance of ours, who has been invoked in every distress.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
[Syncletica] also said, ‘We have no security in this world. The Apostle said, “Let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). We are sailing on uncharted seas, as the psalmist David said, “Our life is like a sea.” Yet some seas have dangerous reefs, some are full of sharks, some seas are calm. It seems as if we are sailing in calm waters, while men of the world are sailing in rough weather. We are sailing in daylight, led by the sun of righteousness, while they are being driven along in the night of ignorance. Yet it often happens that worldly men, sailing in darkness and through storms, are so afraid of danger that they save the ship by calling upon God and by watchfulness, while we, in our calm waters, become careless, leave the proper course of righteousness, and are sunk.’
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 107:28 profoundly encapsulates the core message of the entire psalm: the divine pattern of human desperation, sincere supplication, and God's ultimate, merciful deliverance. This verse, situated within a broader narrative depicting various groups experiencing dire distress, highlights the immediate and effective nature of God's response to the desperate cries of His people, affirming His character as the ever-present rescuer who brings relief from the most overwhelming predicaments.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 107:28 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Repetition is central to the psalm's structure, as this verse is a direct reiteration of the recurring pattern of distress, cry, and deliverance found throughout the four scenarios. This repetition reinforces the consistency of God's character and His reliable response to human need. Parallelism is evident in the synonymous relationship between "trouble" and "distresses," which intensifies the description of the dire situation and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's rescue, showing that God's deliverance addresses every facet of their suffering. The use of vivid Imagery is also prominent, particularly in the broader context of the psalm, where the "melting soul" of the mariners (Psalm 107:26) contrasts with God's powerful act of "bringing them out," evoking a sense of being freed from a suffocating, life-threatening confinement. The entire verse functions as a concise Narrative Arc, moving from human desperation to divine intervention and ultimate salvation, encapsulating the redemptive story of God's relationship with His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates a foundational biblical truth: God is not a distant deity but an intimately involved, compassionate Father who hears the cries of His children and actively intervenes in their lives. It underscores the universal human experience of vulnerability and the consistent divine response of rescue. Theologically, it affirms God's omnipotence and sovereignty, demonstrating His control over natural forces and human circumstances. It also highlights His covenant faithfulness, reminding us that His steadfast love endures forever, prompting Him to act on behalf of those who turn to Him in humility and desperation. This pattern of distress, supplication, and deliverance is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, serving as a constant source of hope and encouragement for believers across generations, assuring them that their cries do not go unheard.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:28 offers profound spiritual nourishment for every believer navigating the storms of life. It serves as an enduring invitation to prayer, reminding us that no trouble is too great, no distress too deep, that it falls outside the scope of God's hearing and His power to deliver. In a world often characterized by self-reliance and the pursuit of human solutions, this verse calls us back to a fundamental dependence on our Creator. It reassures us that our cries, even those born of utter desperation, are not unheard but are met with the active, compassionate intervention of a God who is both willing and able to bring us out of our most confining predicaments. This understanding cultivates a deeper trust in His character, transforming our fear into faith and our anguish into anticipation of His liberating hand. It encourages us to make prayer our first response, not our last resort, knowing that the God who delivered ancient mariners from tempestuous seas is the same God who hears and responds to our modern-day troubles, regardless of their nature or intensity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "trouble" in this verse refer only to extreme, life-threatening situations?
Answer: While Psalms 107:28 is situated within the context of extreme perils like a violent sea storm, the principles it conveys are universally applicable to all forms of "trouble" or "distresses." The Hebrew words tsar (trouble) and mᵉtsûwqâh (distresses) can describe any situation that feels narrow, constricting, or overwhelming, whether it's a physical danger, emotional anguish, financial hardship, relational conflict, or spiritual struggle. The psalm's broader message, encompassing various forms of human suffering, suggests that God's ear is attentive to all who cry out to Him, regardless of the perceived magnitude of their predicament. The core message is about the universal human condition of need and God's consistent character as a deliverer.
Does God always deliver us immediately and in the way we expect when we cry out to Him?
Answer: Psalms 107:28 highlights God's immediate response in the context of the psalm, where the crying out leads directly to deliverance. However, the Bible also teaches that God's deliverance is not always instantaneous or according to our precise expectations. Sometimes, deliverance involves an immediate removal of the trouble; at other times, it means granting strength, peace, or wisdom to endure through the trouble (2 Corinthians 12:9). God's timing and methods are perfect, aimed at our ultimate good and His greater glory. The assurance is that He hears and responds, and His response is always one of faithful engagement, even if the "bringing out" looks different than we might initially imagine, ultimately leading to a deeper reliance on Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:28 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's delivering power and compassionate response to human distress. He is the one who, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated absolute sovereignty over creation by calming literal storms with a word (Mark 4:39) and delivered people from every conceivable "trouble" and "distress"—sickness, demonic oppression, and the ultimate bondage of sin and death. More profoundly, Jesus Himself "cried out to the LORD in His trouble" as He faced the agony of the cross, bearing the weight of humanity's sin and distress, even uttering, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Yet, God "brought Him out of His distresses" through the glorious resurrection, demonstrating His ultimate victory over death and the grave (Acts 2:24). For believers, Christ is the ultimate deliverer who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for true rest (Matthew 11:28). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He offers not just temporary relief from earthly troubles but eternal deliverance from the distress of sin and separation from God, making Him the true and final answer to every desperate cry for salvation and peace.