Psalms 107:6

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

Then they cried {H6817} unto the LORD {H3068} in their trouble {H6862}, and he delivered {H5337} 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 delivered them from their distress.

Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses,

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 107:6 KJV

Psalms 107:6 reads: "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses." This verse encapsulates a core message of divine intervention and faithfulness that echoes throughout the entire Psalm.

Context

Psalm 107 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring goodness and mercy (Hebrew: hesed) towards various groups of people who found themselves in desperate situations. The psalm features four distinct scenarios—wanderers in the wilderness (verses 4-9), prisoners in darkness (verses 10-16), the sick afflicted by their sin (verses 17-22), and sailors caught in storms (verses 23-32)—each illustrating a common pattern: people facing severe hardship, crying out to the LORD, and receiving His miraculous deliverance. Verse 6 introduces this pattern, specifically in the context of those lost and hungry in the wilderness, emphasizing their desperate plea.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Prayer: The verse highlights the immediate and effective response of God when His people genuinely "cried unto the LORD." It underscores that God hears and answers the fervent prayers of those in need.
  • God's Faithfulness and Deliverance: Despite the severity of their "trouble" and "distresses," God is portrayed as the ultimate deliverer. This demonstrates His unwavering commitment to rescue His people when they turn to Him.
  • Human Helplessness and Divine Intervention: The narrative implies a situation where human strength or wisdom is insufficient, necessitating divine intervention. This theme is central to the psalm, showing God as the sole source of salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse add depth to its meaning:

  • "cried" (Hebrew: za'aq - זָעַק): This term signifies a loud, urgent, and often desperate cry for help, typically in a time of great distress or emergency. It's not a casual request but an earnest appeal born of dire circumstances.
  • "trouble" (Hebrew: tsarah - צָרָה): This word denotes narrowness, tightness, or distress, indicating a situation that feels constricting and oppressive.
  • "delivered" (Hebrew: yasha - יָשַׁע): This is a powerful word meaning to save, rescue, or bring salvation. It's the root of the name "Jesus" (Yeshua), signifying "The LORD saves."
  • "distresses" (Hebrew: matsar - מֵצַר): Similar to tsarah, this word also implies a narrow or confined place, emphasizing the severity and inescapable nature of their predicament. The pairing of "trouble" and "distresses" intensifies the depiction of their dire state.

Practical Application

Psalms 107:6 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It serves as a timeless reminder that:

  1. God is Accessible in Crisis: No matter how dire our circumstances—be they physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual—God is always available and attentive to our cries. This verse assures us that the LORD hears when the righteous cry out.
  2. Prayer is Effective: It reinforces the power of prayer as a direct line to divine help. When we feel overwhelmed and without options, our first and most effective response should be to call upon the LORD.
  3. Hope in Deliverance: Just as He delivered those in ancient times, God remains faithful to deliver His people today. This verse builds faith that He will act on our behalf, bringing us out of our own "distresses" according to His perfect will and timing. The entire Psalm 107 repeatedly emphasizes this pattern, prompting us to give thanks to the LORD for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 50:15 (14 votes)

    And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

  • Psalms 91:15 (11 votes)

    He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

  • Hebrews 4:15 (10 votes)

    For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

  • Hebrews 4:16 (10 votes)

    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  • Jeremiah 29:12 (9 votes)

    Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

  • Jeremiah 29:14 (9 votes)

    And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:8 (8 votes)

    For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: