What does Psalms 107:6 mean?

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. Psalms 107:6

Explanation

Psalm 107:6 is a verse that depicts a moment of distress and divine intervention. It forms part of a psalm that is generally a song of thanksgiving for God’s deliverance. The verse speaks to a common human experience: crying out in times of trouble. As the verse suggests, the cry is directed to the LORD (YHWH), who is recognized as the sovereign rescuer. The phrase “delivered them out of their distresses” implies that God actively responds to the pleas of the troubled, emphasizing His role as a savior and protector. The deeper meaning here is that God is attentive to human suffering and is willing to provide relief and rescue when sought.

Historical Context

Psalm 107 is likely post-exilic, meaning it was written after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity around the 6th century BCE. This psalm would have resonated with those who had experienced exile, displacement, and various hardships, and now returned to their homeland. It reflects a communal thanksgiving for God’s deliverance from a period of national distress and the joy of restoration. Cultural and historical influences during this time include the re-establishment of Jewish religious practice and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Psalm 107:6 reflects the belief in the mercy and providence of God. Different traditions have viewed this verse through various lenses:

• Jewish interpretation often sees this as a celebration of God’s enduring covenant with Israel, fulfilling promises to protect and deliver His people.

• Christian interpretation sometimes reads Psalm 107 as typological of Christ’s salvation, seeing the physical deliverance as a metaphor for spiritual salvation.

• Islamic perspective does not directly reference this text, but the concept of God as a deliverer is consistent with the attributes of Allah as Merciful and Responsive to prayer (though the Islamic tradition does not include the Psalms in its scripture).

Practical Applications

The message in Psalm 107:6 can be applied in daily life as follows:

• It encourages individuals to turn to God or a higher power in times of trouble.

• It serves as a reminder to be thankful for deliverance and help received.

• It may inspire believers to aid others in distress, reflecting the deliverance they themselves have received.

Cross-References

• Psalm 50:15: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
• Psalm 34:17: “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”
• 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.”

Language Study

• “Cried” (Hebrew: זעקו – za’aku): The verb used here suggests a loud cry for help or a plea in desperation.
• “LORD” (Hebrew: יהוה – YHWH): The tetragrammaton, signifying the personal name of God, often translated as “LORD” in English Bibles, representing His eternal and self-existent nature.
• “Trouble” (Hebrew: צרה – tsarah): This term signifies a narrow place, trouble, or a type of distress.
• “Delivered” (Hebrew: יציל – yatzil): To rescue or save from danger or suffering.
• “Distresses” (Hebrew: מצוקיהם – metsuqeyhem): From the root meaning narrowness or distress, amplifying the intensity of the trouble experienced.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing the themes of Psalm 107:6 with other ancient myths:

• Ancient Mesopotamian religions have many myths where gods respond to human cries, often through a mediator.
• In Egyptian mythology, cries to the deities often precede salvation, similar to the Israelites crying out to God.

These comparisons suggest a widespread ancient belief that deities are responsive to human suffering.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, a scientific perspective may interpret the phenomena of crying out in distress as a psychological and physiological response to stress, which can have a calming effect or even a placebo effect. The process of seeking help and subsequently experiencing relief could be associated with the release of stress hormones and other biochemical responses in the body.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: He views this as a testament to God’s kindness, saying that no matter how troubling the danger is, God’s power is sufficient to bring deliverance.
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Albert Barnes emphasizes the immediacy of God’s response to the cries of His people and suggests that this reflects a general principle of God’s willingness to hear and aid those in distress.
• The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon: Spurgeon offers a passionate reflection on God’s readiness to hear and answer prayers, and he exhorts believers to trust in God’s deliverance in their times of need.