Psalms 107:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:13
13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, holiness, wisdom. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 107:13
13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
Analysis
This verse repeats the distress-cry-deliverance pattern (cf. v. 6). 'Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble' shows humbling produces desperate prayer. When humans exhaust their resources ('none to help,' v. 12), they turn to God. 'And he saved them out of their distresses' uses yasha (יָשַׁע), meaning to save, deliver, or give victory—the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'Yahweh saves.' God's salvation removes from distresses. The repetition of this pattern through all four scenarios emphasizes God's reliability: He consistently responds to those who cry to Him in trouble. This is His covenant character—faithful to deliver those who call.
Historical Context
When exile humbled Israel and they cried out in repentance, God moved Cyrus to decree return (Ezra 1). Daniel's prayers and confession (Daniel 9) exemplify the crying out that preceded deliverance. Throughout Scripture, when God's people genuinely cry out from humbled hearts, He responds with salvation. This pattern assures every generation that God hears and answers.
Reflection
- Why does genuine crying out to God often require exhausting human solutions first?
- How does the name 'Jesus' (Yeshua = Yahweh saves) fulfill this pattern?
- What does God's consistent response to cries in trouble teach about His character?
Word Studies
- Save: יָשַׁע (Yasha) H3467 - To save, deliver, rescue
Cross-References
- Salvation: Psalms 107:19
- References Lord: Psalms 18:6, 107:6, 107:28, Judges 4:3