Psalms 107:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 107:6
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
Chapter Context
Psalms 107 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, mercy. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 107:6
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
Analysis
This verse describes the cry for help and God's response. 'Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble' shows extremity drives prayer. 'Cried' (tsaaq, צָעַק) means to cry out, call for help, shout in distress—desperate, loud prayer. 'In their trouble' (tsar, צַר) means in distress, anguish, or tight place. Trouble compresses us into crying out. 'And he delivered them out of their distresses' uses natsal (נָצַל), meaning to snatch away, rescue, deliver. God's response is immediate and effective—He rescues from the very distresses that caused the cry. This pattern (distress → cry → deliverance) appears throughout Scripture, teaching that God responds to desperate prayer.
Historical Context
This pattern appears throughout Israel's history: Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25), wilderness wandering, Judges cycle, exile. Each time, God heard their cry and delivered. The psalm establishes this as a pattern of God's character—He responds to the cry of the desperate. For the church, this assures us that in distress, crying to God brings deliverance (though the form and timing may differ from expectations).
Reflection
- Why does God often allow distress before bringing deliverance?
- How does desperate crying to God differ from casual or comfortable prayer?
- In what ways has God delivered you out of distresses when you cried to Him?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 107:13, 107:19, 107:28, 2 Timothy 3:11
- Parallel theme: Psalms 50:15, 91:15, Hosea 5:15