Psalms 107:28
Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּצְעֲק֣וּ
Then they cry
H6817
וַיִּצְעֲק֣וּ
Then they cry
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
1 of 7
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Matthew 8:25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.Psalms 107:19Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.Psalms 107:13Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.Psalms 107:6Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.Jonah 1:14Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee.
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, desperate sailors cry to God and are saved: Jonah's sailors (Jonah 1:14-16), disciples in the storm (Matthew 8:25; Mark 4:38; Luke 8:24), Paul's shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25). Each time, prayer brought divine intervention. The pattern teaches every generation that God is sovereign over natural forces and faithful to deliver those who cry to Him. This assurance grounds confidence in God's providence through life's storms.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the repeated pattern across diverse distresses teach about God's character?
- How should knowing God responds to desperate prayer affect our response to crises?
- Why is crying to God in trouble the most rational response, not the last resort?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse repeats the pattern (cf. vv. 6, 13, 19). 'Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble' shows that when mariners reach wits' end, they turn to God. Extremity drives prayer. 'And he bringeth them out of their distresses' uses yatsa (יָצָא), to bring out or deliver—exodus language. God rescues from the very distresses that drove them to cry out. The pattern's fourth repetition emphasizes its universality: whether lost in wilderness, imprisoned in darkness, sick unto death, or drowning in storm—crying to God brings deliverance. This is bedrock truth: God responds to those who call on Him in trouble.