What does Psalms 107:13 mean?

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. Psalms 107:13

Explanation

Psalms 107:13 is a verse that speaks of calling out to the LORD in times of trouble and the subsequent deliverance from distress by God. The verse falls within a larger context of the psalm in which different groups of people experience various forms of hardship and, upon turning to God for help, find relief and redemption. This recurring motif emphasizes the responsiveness of God to the desperate pleas of the faithful.

The verse conveys a literal meaning of crying out for divine assistance during adversity and receiving salvation. On a deeper level, it signifies the broader spiritual journey where human beings realize their inability to solve problems on their own and the necessity of divine intervention. It contrasts human fragility with divine strength and mercy.

Historical Context

Psalms 107 is a post-exilic psalm, considered to be written after the return of the Israelites from the Babylonian captivity, which occurred around the 6th century BCE. This period was marked by the reconstruction of the Hebrew society and the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. The psalm reflects a communal gratefulness to God for deliverance from their collective adversity. It is a redemption song that traces the unfailing mercy of God throughout the struggles of His people.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in various ways:

• Traditional Judaism might see this verse as a historical recognition of God’s mercy and the need for ritualistic prayer during times of distress.
• Christianity could interpret it as pointing to God’s unfailing grace and readiness to forgive and save those who repent and turn to Him.
• In Protestantism, especially within the framework of Calvinism, this verse might be viewed as an example of God’s sovereign grace, where salvation is an act of divine compassion upon the humbly repentant.
• Catholic theology might embrace this verse within the context of God’s providence and the intercession of saints who cry out on behalf of the people.

Practical Applications

Psalms 107:13 provides several practical applications for daily life:

• It encourages individuals to turn to God in times of trouble rather than relying solely on human means.
• The verse serves as a reminder to be thankful and to recognize the source of one’s deliverance from challenges.
• It also suggests that sharing testimonies of divine intervention can be an important aspect of community and faith traditions.

Cross-References

• Psalm 50:15: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
• Psalm 91:15: “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”
• Jonah 2:2: “And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Hebrew language of Psalms 107:13 and their meanings:

• “Cried” (זעקו‎, za’aku) – To call out or shout, usually indicating an urgent or desperate plea.
• “LORD” (יהוה, YHWH) – The tetragrammaton, transliterated as Yahweh; the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, signifying the eternal and unchanging nature of God.
• “Trouble” (צרה, tsarah) – A tight, narrow place; figuratively indicates distress or adversity.
• “Saved” (יושיעם, yoshi’am) – To rescue or deliver, often in a context of salvation by God in a physical or spiritual sense.
• “Distresses” (מצוקותיהם, metzukoteihem) – From the root that means narrowed, constricted; signifying the pressures and hardships faced.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of deities intervening in human affairs is a common thread in many ancient mythologies. In Greek mythology, for instance, gods often intervene in the lives of mortals but typically as a result of petitions or sacrifices. In contrast, Psalms 107:13 depicts a God who is personally responsive to the cries of the faithful, highlighting a relationship that is both intimate and compassionate.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the verse doesn’t seem to directly intersect with any scientific concepts as it deals primarily with spiritual belief and the human experience of calling out for divine assistance. However, the psychological effect of prayer and faith on human well-being is a subject of study, suggesting that such practices can have beneficial effects on stress levels and overall mental health.

Commentaries

Experts and commentators on the Bible provide various interpretations of Psalms 107:13:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary points out that the pattern of trouble and deliverance seen in this psalm leads to an acknowledgment of God’s mercy and encourages others to trust in Him.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary suggests that this psalm, with its repeated theme of rescue, shows the different ways in which God delivers people and encourages thanksgiving.
• According to Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the psalm testifies to the goodness of God and provides practical instruction on how to seek God’s help in times of trouble and to properly respond to His deliverance.