and He saved them from their distress
This phrase underscores God's faithfulness and mercy. The act of saving is central to God's character, as seen throughout the biblical narrative. In the historical context, salvation often involved deliverance from physical enemies or perilous situations, such as the Exodus from Egypt. Theologically, this points to God's role as a redeemer and protector. The concept of salvation is further expanded in the New Testament, where it takes on a spiritual dimension through the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's saving work, providing eternal salvation from sin and death. This phrase also connects to the prophetic literature, where God's promise to save His people is a recurring theme, ultimately pointing to the messianic hope realized in Christ.

• “Then” signals a turning point. After wandering, hunger, bondage, sickness, or storm (Psalm 107:4-12), the people finally reach the end of their own resources.

• Crying out is an act of desperation mixed with faith, echoed all through Scripture: “This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him” (Psalm 34:6). Judges repeatedly records Israel doing the same (Judges 3:9). Jonah “called to the LORD” from the fish’s belly (Jonah 2:2).

• God welcomes that raw honesty. He has already invited it: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble” (Psalm 50:15).

• The cry is directed to the covenant God, not to idols, kings, or self-help. The definite article—“the LORD”—centers on the One who revealed His name to Moses (Exodus 3:14).

• Prayer has a specific address. Jeremiah 33:3 encourages, “Call to Me and I will answer you.”

• Turning to Him acknowledges His supremacy and our dependence, just as Peter did when he sank: “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30).

• Trouble (or adversity) is the classroom where faith is refined. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”

• Nothing disqualifies the sufferer—whether self-inflicted chains (Psalm 107:10-11) or circumstances beyond control (Psalm 107:23-27).

• James 5:13 asks, “Is any one of you suffering? He should pray.” The pattern never changes.

• God’s response is immediate and compassionate: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

• Salvation here is practical rescue—just as He “saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:30).

• Ultimately, every temporal deliverance previews the greater redemption accomplished through Christ, fulfilling the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

• Distress pictures tight, constricting circumstances. God removes the squeeze: “In my distress I called upon the LORD… and my cry for His help reached His ears” (Psalm 18:6).

• He not only lifts the burden but often replaces it with spacious freedom (Psalm 118:5).

• Repeated rescues build a testimony: “He has delivered us… and He will deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10).

Psalm 107:13 captures the gospel in miniature: desperate people finally humble themselves, aim their plea at the one true God, and He responds with real, measurable deliverance. The verse assures us that no situation is too tangled, no heart too wayward. When we cry out to the LORD, He listens, He saves, and He brings us out into freedom—just as faithfully today as He did for the psalmist.