Psalms 14:7

KJV

Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

KJV (with Strong's)

Oh that {H5414} the salvation {H3444} of Israel {H3478} were come out of Zion {H6726}! when the LORD {H3068} bringeth back {H7725} the captivity {H7622} of his people {H5971}, Jacob {H3290} shall rejoice {H1523}, and Israel {H3478} shall be glad {H8055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How I wish Isra'el's salvation would come out of Tziyon! When ADONAI restores his people's fortunes, Ya'akov will rejoice, Isra'el will be glad!

Berean Standard Bible

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!

American Standard Version

Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When Jehovah bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, andIsrael shall be glad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 14:7 is a fervent prayer and hopeful declaration that concludes a psalm lamenting widespread human depravity. It articulates a profound longing for God's direct, comprehensive salvation for His people, anticipating a future marked by profound joy and restoration from all forms of bondage. This verse serves as a beacon of hope, contrasting the bleak reality of human sinfulness with the glorious prospect of divine intervention originating from Zion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic plea and hopeful resolution to the preceding verses of [Psalms 14](/psalms/14 "Psalms 14 - The Fool and the Righteous"). The psalm opens with the stark declaration that "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" ([Psalms 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalms 14:1 - The Fool Says There Is No God")), immediately setting a tone of universal moral decay and spiritual rebellion. The psalmist describes humanity as corrupt, doing abominable works, with "none that doeth good, no, not one" ([Psalms 14:3](/psalms/14-3 "Psalms 14:3 - Universal Sinfulness")). This pervasive wickedness extends to those who "eat up my people as they eat bread" ([Psalms 14:4](/psalms/14-4 "Psalms 14:4 - Oppressors of God's People")), highlighting societal oppression and injustice. Amidst this bleak assessment of human sin and its consequences, the psalmist expresses a deep yearning for God's intervention, making the prayer for salvation in verse 7 a desperate yet hopeful cry for deliverance from this spiritual and physical darkness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for [Psalms 14](/psalms/14 "Psalms 14 - The Fool Says There Is No God") is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate with various periods of Israelite history marked by moral decline, oppression, and exile. The concept of "captivity" (שְׁבוּת, *shevut*) could refer to the literal Babylonian exile ([Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - Restoration from Exile")), but it also encompasses any state of distress, bondage, or spiritual wandering that God's people might experience. The longing for salvation "out of Zion" reflects the centrality of Jerusalem, God's chosen dwelling place, as the source of divine help and governance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the capital city and its temple were often seen as the spiritual and political heart from which a nation's strength and blessing flowed. For Israel, Zion was uniquely associated with God's presence, His covenant, and His redemptive acts, making it the natural focal point for a prayer for national deliverance.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several enduring biblical themes. The most prominent is **Divine Deliverance and Salvation**, emphasizing God's unique power to rescue and redeem His people from their distress, whether it be from literal enemies, societal corruption, or spiritual bondage. This is not merely political liberation but a comprehensive act of restoration. Closely related is the theme of **Restoration from Captivity**, which speaks to God's ability to reverse adverse circumstances and bring His people back to a state of freedom and prosperity, as seen in the joy described in [Psalms 126:1-3](/psalms/126 "Psalms 126 - A Song of Ascents, Joyful Return"). Furthermore, the mention of **Zion as the Source of Salvation** underscores the theological significance of God's dwelling place, from which His saving power and presence emanate, a concept echoed in prophecies like [Isaiah 2:3](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - The Law Goes Forth from Zion"). Finally, the anticipated outcome of **Joy and Gladness** for Jacob and Israel highlights the transformative power of God's salvation, turning sorrow into rejoicing and despair into delight.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yesha'_):** This word (יְשׁוּעָה) is a rich and comprehensive term encompassing deliverance, help, welfare, victory, and prosperity. It signifies God's powerful act of rescue, not merely from physical danger but from any state of oppression, sin, or distress. It points to a holistic well-being that only God can provide, emphasizing His role as the ultimate Savior and Deliverer.
* **Zion (Hebrew, _Tziyon'_):** More than just a geographical location (Mount Zion in Jerusalem), _Tziyon_ (צִיּוֹן) functions as a profound theological concept. It represents God's dwelling place, His holy city, the seat of His throne, and the place from which His divine rule, judgment, and salvation extend. To long for salvation "out of Zion" is to yearn for a deliverance that is divinely initiated and executed from the very heart of God's presence and power.
* **Bringeth back the captivity (Hebrew, _shuv shevut'_):** This idiomatic phrase (שְׁבוּת) literally means "to turn the turning of" or "to restore the fortunes of." While it often refers to literal return from exile (e.g., the Babylonian captivity), its broader meaning signifies a complete reversal of ill fortune, a restoration from any state of bondage, affliction, or spiritual wandering. It speaks to God's sovereign power to bring about a radical change from distress to prosperity, from sorrow to joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion!":** This opening clause is a fervent, almost desperate, prayer or yearning. The phrase "Oh that" (מִי יִתֵּן, *mi yitten*) expresses a deep desire or longing. "Salvation of Israel" indicates a comprehensive deliverance for God's people, encompassing all aspects of their well-being. The specification "out of Zion" underscores that this salvation is not expected from human efforts or political maneuvering but from God Himself, whose presence and power are uniquely associated with His holy city, Jerusalem.
* **"when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people":** This clause describes the condition or event that will trigger the anticipated joy. "When the LORD bringeth back the captivity" refers to God's act of restoring His people from whatever state of bondage, oppression, or misfortune they find themselves in. It highlights God's sovereign initiative and power to reverse their adverse circumstances, whether literal exile, spiritual alienation, or any form of distress.
* **"Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.":** This final clause articulates the joyful outcome of God's redemptive act. "Jacob" and "Israel" are used synonymously, referring to God's covenant people. Their "rejoicing" and "being glad" signify a profound, unadulterated joy that stems from their comprehensive deliverance and restoration. This joy is not fleeting but a deep, abiding gladness that transforms their state from lament to celebration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 14:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The entire verse functions as a **Lament** transformed into an **Anticipation** of divine intervention, moving from the sorrowful depiction of human depravity in the preceding verses to a hopeful yearning for God's saving act. The phrase "Oh that..." is an expressive form of **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, highlighting the psalmist's intense longing. The use of "Jacob" and "Israel" in the final clause is a clear example of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two different terms are used to refer to the same entity (God's people) and express a similar idea (joy and gladness), thereby intensifying the anticipated outcome. The concept of "salvation coming out of Zion" is a form of **Metonymy**, where Zion (the place) represents God's presence and power (the source of salvation).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth that true and lasting salvation originates solely from God. In a world characterized by moral decay and human failure, the psalmist's cry for salvation from Zion underscores God's sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness to His people. It points to a comprehensive deliverance that reverses all forms of captivity—physical, spiritual, and societal—culminating in profound joy and restoration. This hope is not based on human merit or effort but on God's character as the Deliverer, who acts from His holy dwelling place. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, our hope must be fixed on God's promised intervention and His ultimate plan for His people.

* [Psalms 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalms 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the LORD")
* [Isaiah 45:17](/isaiah/45-17 "Isaiah 45:17 - Israel Saved by the LORD")
* [Luke 1:68](/luke/1-68 "Luke 1:68-69 - God Has Visited and Redeemed His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 14:7 offers a timeless model for prayer and a profound source of hope for believers navigating a world that often mirrors the depravity described in the psalm. In times of widespread moral decline, societal injustice, or personal struggles that feel like a form of captivity, this verse calls us to direct our gaze and our fervent prayers towards God. It reminds us that genuine salvation and lasting restoration do not come from human systems or political solutions, but from the divine hand of God, who is sovereign over all circumstances. Our longing should echo the psalmist's: a deep yearning for God's active intervention to bring about His kingdom and His righteousness. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to reverse our fortunes, turn our sorrow into joy, and ultimately deliver us from every form of bondage, assuring us that His ultimate plan is one of restoration and gladness for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "captivities" (spiritual, emotional, societal) do you long for God to "bring back" in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **How does the psalmist's longing for salvation "out of Zion" inform your understanding of where true help comes from?**
* **In what ways can you actively express your hope and prayer for God's salvation and restoration in your daily life?**
* **How does the promise of "Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad" inspire you to persevere in faith amidst difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "bringeth back the captivity of his people" mean in this context?**

Answer: While this phrase can certainly refer to literal exile, such as the Babylonian captivity, its deeper meaning, especially in poetic books like Psalms, is "to restore the fortunes of" or "to reverse the ill circumstances of." It signifies a comprehensive act of divine intervention that brings about a radical change from a state of distress, bondage, or oppression to one of freedom, prosperity, and well-being. It encompasses spiritual, emotional, and physical restoration, highlighting God's power to turn any negative situation into one of joy and blessing for His people, as seen in [Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - The LORD Restores Job's Fortunes").

**Why is "Zion" mentioned as the source of salvation?**

Answer: Zion, referring to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, is not merely a geographical location but a profound theological symbol. It represents God's chosen dwelling place, the location of His Temple, and the seat of His divine presence and authority. Therefore, salvation coming "out of Zion" signifies that deliverance originates directly from God Himself, from the very heart of His holy presence and power. It emphasizes that true help and redemption are divine in origin, emanating from God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign rule over all creation, as prophesied in [Isaiah 2:3](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - The Law Goes Forth from Zion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 14:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's yearning for "the salvation of Israel" to come "out of Zion" is perfectly realized in the person and work of Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, ministered throughout Judea, and ultimately offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice in Jerusalem (Zion). He is the true and final "salvation of Israel," not merely bringing a temporary political deliverance but eternal redemption from the ultimate captivity of sin and death. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ inaugurated the new covenant, making possible the "bringing back of the captivity" for all who believe, liberating them from spiritual bondage and alienation from God ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")). His resurrection from the dead, which occurred near Zion, guarantees the future restoration of all things and the ultimate joy of God's people. Through Him, "Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad," as believers from every nation are brought into the spiritual Israel, experiencing the profound joy of reconciliation with God and the promise of a glorious future where God dwells among His people, wiping away every tear ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). The salvation longed for in the Old Testament is fully revealed and offered in the person of Jesus Christ, the true King who reigns from the heavenly Zion ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Mount Zion, the City of the Living God")).

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

Psalms 53:6

Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

Psalms 85:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.