Psalms 107:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:19
19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, obedience. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 107:19
19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
Analysis
This verse repeats the distress-cry-deliverance pattern (cf. vv. 6, 13). 'Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble' shows extremity drives prayer. At death's threshold, they cry out. 'And he saveth them out of their distresses' uses yasha (יָשַׁע), to save or deliver. The pattern's repetition across different scenarios (lost wanderers, imprisoned rebels, sick fools) emphasizes its universality: whatever the specific distress, crying to God brings salvation. This teaches that no situation is beyond God's power to deliver from, and that desperate prayer is the proper response to any extremity.
Historical Context
Scripture records numerous healings when sufferers cried to God: Hezekiah's terminal illness healed (2 Kings 20:1-6), Miriam's leprosy (Numbers 12:13-15), deadly snake bites (Numbers 21:7-9). Jesus' healing ministry demonstrated God's power to save from distresses of sickness. James instructs sick believers to call for elders to pray (James 5:14-15), continuing this pattern of crying to God in sickness.
Reflection
- Why does God often wait until we're in extremity before delivering?
- How should sickness drive believers to prayer?
- What is the relationship between faith, prayer, and healing?
Word Studies
- Save: יָשַׁע (Yasha) H3467 - To save, deliver, rescue
Cross-References
- Salvation: Psalms 107:13
- References Lord: Psalms 107:6
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 33:3