Psalms 107:6

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּצְעֲק֣וּ
Then they cried
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
בַּצַּ֣ר
in their trouble
a pebble (as in h6864)
#5
לָהֶ֑ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
מִ֝מְּצֽוּקוֹתֵיהֶ֗ם
them out of their distresses
narrowness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble
#7
יַצִּילֵֽם׃
and he delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection