Psalms 107:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they cry {H6817} unto the LORD {H3068} in their trouble {H6862}, and he bringeth them out {H3318} of their distresses {H4691}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 107 is a majestic psalm of thanksgiving, structured around a recurring literary refrain that emphasizes God's enduring love and His readiness to deliver. The psalm recounts four distinct scenarios of human trouble, each followed by the consistent pattern: distress, crying out to the LORD, and divine deliverance. These groups include those lost and hungry in the wilderness, wandering without a path ([Psalm 107:4-9](/psalms/107-4-9 "Wilderness Wanderers")). Next are prisoners bound in affliction due to their rebellion against God's words ([Psalm 107:10-16](/psalms/107-10-16 "Prisoners of Rebellion")). The third group comprises those suffering illness and near death because of their own foolishness and transgression ([Psalm 107:17-22](/psalms/107-17-22 "Consequences of Foolishness")). Finally, the psalm describes mariners caught in terrifying storms at sea, whose "soul melted because of trouble" ([Psalm 107:23-32](/psalms/107-23-32 "Perils of the Sea")). Verse 28 specifically describes the sailors' response to the tempest, where their ultimate recourse is to cry out to the LORD. This verse serves as a direct reiteration of the central pattern first introduced in [Psalm 107:6](/psalms/107-6 "The Recurring Pattern of Deliverance"), reinforcing the universality and reliability of God's intervention across diverse human predicaments.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely after the Babylonian exile, Psalm 107 functions as a communal song of praise, reflecting on God's historical acts of deliverance for Israel. It draws upon common human experiences of peril in the ancient Near East: the dangers of desert travel, the harsh realities of imprisonment, the prevalence of disease, and the unpredictable nature of sea voyages. For an agricultural society, the sea represented a powerful, often chaotic, and uncontrollable force, making the rescue of mariners a particularly vivid display of divine sovereignty over creation. The psalm's structure, with its repeated call to "give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever" ([Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Call to Thanksgiving")), positions these specific deliverances as evidence of God's covenant faithfulness to His people throughout their history, inviting both corporate and individual reflection on His redemptive power and enduring mercy.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 107:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 107 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **efficacy of prayer in adversity**, underscoring that a desperate cry to God is not merely a last resort but the most potent and effective response to overwhelming circumstances. This highlights humanity's inherent dependence on a higher power when faced with insurmountable challenges, a theme echoed throughout the psalms (e.g., [Psalm 34:6](/psalms/34-6 "The Poor Man Cried")). Hand in hand with this is the theme of **divine deliverance**, portraying God as an active, personal, and compassionate rescuer who intervenes directly in human affairs to bring salvation from dire predicaments. The consistent pattern of distress leading to God's intervention also emphasizes His **faithfulness and mercy**, demonstrating that His character is one of unwavering love and readiness to hear and save, fulfilling His covenant promises. Ultimately, the verse instills **hope in despair**, offering a profound message that even in the most terrifying and hopeless situations, God remains the reliable source of rescue, transforming anguish into thanksgiving and praise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cry (Hebrew, _tsâʻaq'_):** This verb (H6817) signifies an urgent, desperate, and often loud cry for help, akin to a shriek. It is not a casual request but an impassioned appeal, born out of extreme distress and a recognition of utter helplessness. It implies a situation where human strength or resources have completely failed, and the only recourse is to call upon a higher power. This word is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the cries of the oppressed or those in dire need, eliciting a divine response.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be narrow" (H6862), _tsar_ conveys a sense of anguish, distress, or affliction that hems one in, leaving no room for escape. It describes a situation of acute pressure or tribulation, a predicament that feels constricting and overwhelming. The use of this word emphasizes the severity and suffocating nature of the predicament faced by those who cry out, likening it to being in a "tight place" or "strait."
* **Distresses (Hebrew, _mᵉtsûwqâh'_):** This noun (H4691), closely related to _tsar_, reinforces the idea of "narrowness" or "tightness." It speaks of multiple or intense pressures, a state of being hemmed in by difficulties on all sides. The parallelism with "trouble" intensifies the depiction of the desperate situation, highlighting the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of the affliction from which God delivers, emphasizing a state of profound anguish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble":** This clause describes the human response to overwhelming distress. The "then" indicates a direct consequence of the preceding description of their dire situation (e.g., the melting soul of the mariners in [Psalm 107:26](/psalms/107-26 "Soul Melting in Trouble")). The act of "crying unto the LORD" signifies a turning point—a recognition of human inability and a desperate, urgent appeal to God as the only source of help. It underscores that prayer, especially in times of extreme need, is a natural and necessary act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and power over all circumstances. "Their trouble" emphasizes the personal and acute nature of their affliction, which has driven them to this desperate plea.
* **"and he bringeth them out of their distresses":** This clause reveals God's immediate and effective intervention. The conjunction "and" links the human cry directly to the divine response, highlighting God's swift readiness to act. "He bringeth them out" (Hebrew: _yotsi'em_, from H3318 _yâtsâʼ_) implies a powerful act of leading forth, drawing out, or delivering from a confined or dangerous space. It suggests a complete and decisive rescue, akin to leading someone out of bondage or a perilous trap. "Their distresses" reiterates the severity of their predicament, confirming that God's deliverance is comprehensive, addressing the very core of their anguish and oppression and releasing them from their "narrow places."

#### 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](/psalms/107-26 "Soul Melting in Trouble")) 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.

* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Call and I Will Answer")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Do Not Fear, I Am With You")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### 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
* **What "troubles" or "distresses" in your life are prompting you to cry out to the LORD right now?**
* **How does the consistent pattern of God's deliverance in Psalm 107 strengthen your trust in His ability to help you?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or other solutions before turning to God in prayer during times of trouble?**
* **How can remembering God's faithfulness in past deliverances encourage you to cry out to Him with greater confidence in your current struggles?**

### 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](/2-corinthians/12-9 "My Grace Is Sufficient for You")). 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](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) 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](/matthew/27-46 "Jesus' Cry on the Cross")). Yet, God "brought Him out of His distresses" through the glorious resurrection, demonstrating His ultimate victory over death and the grave ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "God Raised Him Up, Freeing Him from the Agony of Death")). 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](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary and Burdened")). 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.

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 8:25

And his disciples came to [him], and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

Psalms 107:19

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

Psalms 107:13

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

Acts 27:23

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Acts 27:25

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Psalms 107:6

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

Jonah 1:5

Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that [were] in the ship into the sea, to lighten [it] of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.