TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered 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 delivered them from their distress.
American Standard Version
Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses,
World English Bible Messianic
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then they cried vnto the Lord in their trouble, and he deliuered them from their distresse,
Young's Literal Translation
And they cry unto Jehovah in their adversity, From their distress He delivereth them,
See also
In the KJVVerse 15,706 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 1–9
1 ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Here is, I. A general call to all to give thanks to God, Psa 107:1. Let all that sing this psalm, or pray over it, set themselves herein to give thanks to the Lord; and those that have not any special matter for praise may furnish themselves with matter enough from God's universal goodness. In the fountain he is good; in the streams his mercy endures for ever and never fails.
II. A particular demand hereof from the redeemed of the Lord, which may well be applied spiritually to those that have an interest in the great Redeemer and are saved by him from sin and hell. They have, of all people, most reason to say that God is good, and his mercy everlasting; these are the children of God that were scattered abroad, whom Christ died to gather together in one, out of all lands, Joh 11:52; Mat 24:31. But it seems here to be meant of a temporal deliverance, wrought for them when in their distress they cried unto the Lord, Psa 107:6. Is any afflicted? Let him pray. Does any pray? God will certainly hear and help. When troubles become extreme that is man's time to cry; those who but whispered prayer before then cry aloud, and then it is God's time to succour. In the mount he will be seen. 1. They were in an enemy's country, but God wrought out their rescue: He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (Psa 107:2), not by might or power, it may be (Zac 4:6), nor by price or reward (Isa 45:13), but by the Spirit of God working on the spirits of men. 2. They were dispersed as out-casts, but God gathered them out of all the countries whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, that they might again be incorporated, Psa 107:3. See Deu 30:4; Eze 34:12. God knows those that are his, and where to find them. 3. They were bewildered, had no road to travel in, no dwelling place to rest in, Psa 107:4. When they were redeemed out of the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, they were in danger of perishing in their return home through the dry and barren deserts. They wandered in the wilderness, where there was no trodden path, no company, but a solitary way, no lodging, no conveniences, no accommodations, no inhabited city where they might have quarters or refreshment. But God led them forth by the right way (Psa 107:7), directed them to an inn, nay, directed them to a home, that they might go to a city of habitation, which was inhabited, nay which them themselves should inhabit. This may refer to poor travellers in general, those particularly whose way lay through the wilds of Arabia, where we may suppose they were often at a loss; and yet many in that distress were wonderfully relieved, so that few perished. Note, We ought to take notice of the good hand of God's providence over us in our journeys, going out and coming in, directing us in our way, and providing for us places both to bait in and rest in. Or (as some think) it has an eye to the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years; it is said (Deu 32:10), God led them about, and yet here he led them by the right way. God's way, though to us it seems about, will appear at last to have been the right way. It is applicable to our condition in this world; we are here as in a wilderness, have here no continuing city, but dwell in tents as strangers and pilgrims. But we are under the guidance of his wise and good providence, and, if we commit ourselves to it, we shall be led in the right way to the city that has foundations. 4. They were ready to perish for hunger (Psa 107:5): Their soul even fainted in them. They were spent with the fatigues of their journey and ready to drop down for want of refreshment. Those that have constant plenty, and are every day fed to the full, know not what a miserable case it is to be hungry and thirsty, and to have no supply. This was sometimes the case of Israel in the wilderness, and perhaps of other poor travellers; but God's providence finds out ways to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, Psa 107:9. Israel's wants were seasonably supplied, and many have been wonderfully relieved when they were ready to perish. The same God that has led us has fed us all our life long unto this day, has fed us with food convenient, has provided food for the soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, the living God, and communion with him, shall be abundantly replenished with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory. Now for all this those who receive mercy are called upon to return thanks (Psa 107:8): Oh that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them in particular, and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men! Note, (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to. (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to him. (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Ammon of HadrianopolisAD 355
LETTER OF BISHOP AMMON 28
Many other monks coming from Phbow by boat reached the island, and we were three hundred in number. About the eighth hour of the twenty-sixth of the month of Athyr, Theodore called all of us and gathered us near himself, and he told Theodore the Alexandrian to interpret what he was going to say to all: “God revealed to me long ago what I have to say but told me to keep silence for a while. Now, as I was standing, I have just been ordered to say it to you, and it is this: In almost every place where the name of Christ is being preached, many of those who have sinned after holy baptism have kept the apostolic faith in which we also stand and have wept for their sins. The Lord, accepting the genuineness of their repentance, has wiped away their sins. Therefore all those among you who up to this day have wept truly over the sins committed after your baptism shall know that you have received forgiveness. Let each of you, therefore, confess to the Lord his mercies and say, You have changed my grief into joy; you have stripped off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.”
Gregory of NyssaAD 395
AGAINST EUNOMIUS 2:15
Prophetic language affirms that the conversion of those in error is the work of God. For “they went astray in the wilderness in a thirsty land,” the psalmist says, and then he adds, “So he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to the city where they dwelled,” and “when the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion.” In like manner also the comfort of the afflicted is ascribed to God, Paul thus says, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who comforts us in all our tribulation.” Again, the psalmist says, speaking in the person of God, “You called on me in trouble, and I delivered you.” And the setting upright of those who stumble is ascribed innumerable times by Scripture to the power of the Lord: “You have held me by the hand that I might fall, but the Lord was my help,” and “Though he fall, he shall not be cast away, for the Lord upholds him with his hand,” and “The Lord helps them that are fallen.” And the recovery of the distressed admittedly belongs to the loving-kindness of God, if Eunomius means the same thing of which we learn in prophecy, as the Scripture says, “You laid burdens on our backs; you allowed people to ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, and you brought us to a place of abundance.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 107
"They wandered in the wilderness, in a dry place, they found not the way of a city to dwell in" [Psalm 107:4]. We have heard a wretched wandering; what of want? "Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them" [Psalm 107:5]. But wherefore did it faint? For what good? For God is not cruel, but He makes Himself known, in that it is expedient for us, that He be entreated by us fainting, and that aiding us He be loved. And therefore after this wandering, and hunger, and thirst, "And they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distress" [Psalm 107:6]. And what did He for them, as they were wandering? "And He led them in the right way" [Psalm 107:7]. They found not the way of a city to dwell in, with hunger and thirst they were vexed and faint, "and He led them into the right way, that they might go into a city to dwell in." How He helped their hunger and thirst, He says not, but even this expect ye: "Let them confess unto the Lord His mercies, and His wonders towards the children of men" [Psalm 107:8]. Tell them, you that are experienced, to the inexperienced; ye that are already in the way, already directed towards finding the city, already at last free from hunger and thirst. "Because He has satisfied the empty soul, and filled the hungry soul with good things" [Psalm 107:9].
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 107:6 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: in moments of profound human distress and helplessness, a desperate cry to the sovereign LORD elicits His immediate and powerful intervention. This verse introduces a recurring motif within Psalm 107, illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness and compassionate readiness to deliver His people from various forms of affliction and dire circumstances when they turn to Him in earnest supplication.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 107:6 serves as the pivotal turning point and the first explicit statement of the psalm's central pattern, immediately following the general call to thanksgiving in Psalm 107:1-3. It specifically introduces the first of four distinct groups of people who experience God's deliverance: those lost and wandering in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, their soul fainting within them, as described in Psalm 107:4-5. Verse 6 marks the critical moment where their desperate situation shifts due to their appeal to God, leading directly into His miraculous rescue and guidance, detailed in Psalm 107:7-9. This profound pattern of distress, crying out, and divine deliverance is then repeated for prisoners (Psalm 107:10-16), the sick (Psalm 107:17-22), and sailors in a storm (Psalm 107:23-32), reinforcing the psalm's overarching message of God's steadfast love (hesed) and His wondrous works.
Historical & Cultural Context: The scenarios depicted in Psalm 107, including wilderness wandering, imprisonment, illness, and perilous sea voyages, reflect common dangers and experiences in the ancient Near East. Travel, especially through vast, arid regions, was inherently perilous, making lost wanderers a deeply relatable plight. Imprisonment was a harsh reality, often involving dark, squalid, and torturous conditions. Illness was frequently seen as a consequence of sin or divine judgment, adding a spiritual dimension to physical suffering. Seafaring was inherently risky due to unpredictable weather and rudimentary navigation, making storms a terrifying ordeal. In a world where human control over nature and circumstances was severely limited, reliance on divine intervention was paramount. The psalm's depiction of God as the ultimate deliverer from these universal human predicaments would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with such vulnerabilities, emphasizing that even in the most dire cultural and historical circumstances, God remains the ultimate refuge and rescuer for those who call upon Him.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully introduces several core themes woven throughout Psalm 107. Firstly, it highlights the power of prayer and the accessibility of God, demonstrating that a sincere, desperate cry to the LORD is met with immediate divine attention and action. This underscores the personal and relational nature of God, who is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His people. Secondly, it emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power to deliver, portraying Him as the ultimate rescuer who intervenes in human affairs when all other hope is lost. This theme is often described by the Hebrew term hesed, referring to God's loyal, covenantal love and mercy, which is explicitly mentioned in the psalm's repeated refrain (e.g., Psalm 107:8). Thirdly, the verse implicitly stresses human helplessness and dependence on divine intervention, as the "trouble" and "distresses" are situations from which humanity cannot extricate itself by its own strength. This sets the stage for the psalm's repeated emphasis on giving thanks to the LORD for His goodness and His wonderful works among the children of men (Psalm 107:15).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 107:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Synonymous Parallelism, where "trouble" (H6862) and "distresses" (H4691) serve as near-equivalent terms, intensifying the depiction of the dire human predicament and emphasizing the severity of their plight. Similarly, "cried unto the LORD" and "he delivered them" form a parallel pair of human action and divine response, creating a rhythmic and emphatic statement of the psalm's core pattern. Furthermore, the verse functions as an Inaugural Statement for the entire psalm's structure, setting the repetitive pattern of "distress-cry-deliverance-thanks" that is reiterated four times, creating a powerful sense of Repetition that underscores God's consistent character and action across various human experiences. The anthropomorphic portrayal of God "hearing" and "delivering" also serves as a form of Divine Action, making God's intervention tangible and relatable to the human experience.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 107:6 powerfully articulates the theological principle of divine responsiveness to human need, particularly when acknowledged through earnest prayer. It underscores God's hesed—His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness—which compels Him to act on behalf of His people, even when their distress is a consequence of their own wandering or sin. The verse establishes a fundamental pattern of spiritual engagement: human helplessness leads to a desperate cry, which in turn activates God's saving power. This is not merely a historical account but a timeless testament to God's character as a compassionate Deliverer who remains attentive to the pleas of the afflicted, demonstrating that His salvation is always accessible to those who turn to Him in genuine repentance and trust.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:6 offers profound encouragement and a clear directive for believers facing their own "troubles" and "distresses" today. It reminds us that no situation is too dire, no predicament too overwhelming, for God's intervention. Our first, most natural, and most effective response to crisis should be to "cry unto the LORD." This is not a passive resignation but an active, faith-filled act of surrender and trust, acknowledging our limits and His limitless power. The assurance that "He delivered them" instills hope that the same God who acted in ancient times is faithful and able to deliver us from our modern anxieties, illnesses, financial burdens, relational brokenness, or spiritual oppression. This verse invites us to cultivate a habit of immediate and fervent prayer in every trial, confident in the character of our delivering God, knowing that He hears and responds to the sincere cries of His children.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "cry unto the LORD" in this context, and is it always a literal shout?
Answer: To "cry unto the LORD" (Hebrew tsâʻaq, H6817) in Psalms 107:6 signifies a desperate, urgent, and often anguished plea for help. While it can certainly involve a literal shout or vocal expression of distress, it primarily refers to the heart's earnest and unreserved turning to God in a moment of profound helplessness and need. It implies a recognition that human strength, wisdom, or resources are insufficient, and only divine intervention can bring relief. It's a cry born of desperation and faith, acknowledging God as the sole source of salvation. This deep spiritual cry is what God responds to, regardless of its audible volume, as seen throughout Scripture where God hears the silent prayers and groans of His people, even those too deep for words (Romans 8:26).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's deliverance and the answer to humanity's deepest cries. While the psalm speaks of physical troubles, Christ's redemptive work addresses the ultimate distress of sin and death, from which no human could deliver themselves. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, providing the definitive rescue from spiritual bondage and eternal separation from God. Furthermore, Jesus Himself experienced profound human "trouble" and "distresses," even crying out to God in His agony on the cross (Matthew 27:46) and in fervent prayer in Gethsemane (Hebrews 5:7). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's delivering power, conquering death itself and offering new life to all who believe. Therefore, when we "cry unto the LORD" today, we cry to the Father through the Son, Jesus, who is our Great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way as we are. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28), fulfilling the promise of deliverance for all who call upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13).