Psalm 107:20 and the Power of Prayer in Trouble

Psalm 107:20 declares, "He sends his word, and heals them, and delivers them from their graves" ^[1]. This verse is a pivotal statement within Psalm 107, emphasizing God's active intervention in response to human distress, particularly through His word. The psalm itself is a hymn of thanksgiving, recounting God's deliverance of various groups of people from different forms of trouble ^[8].

The literary context of Psalm 107 is crucial for understanding verse 20. The psalm opens with a call to "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (Psalm 107:1, ESV). It then proceeds to illustrate this steadfast love through four distinct scenarios of distress and deliverance. The first group consists of those who wandered in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, crying out to the Lord and being led to a city ^[8]. The second group comprises those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons because they had rebelled against God's words. When they cried out, God broke their bonds and brought them out of darkness ^[8]. The third group, to which verse 20 directly relates, are those who were "fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction" (Psalm 107:17, ESV). Their souls abhorred all food, and they drew near to the gates of death. It is in this context of severe illness and near-death that the psalmist states, "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction" (Psalm 107:19-20, ESV). The fourth group consists of those who went down to the sea in ships, experiencing a great storm, and when they cried out, God stilled the storm and brought them to their desired haven ^[3]. Each of these sections follows a similar pattern: distress, crying out to the Lord, God's deliverance, and a call to give thanks.

The historical setting of Psalm 107 is generally understood to be post-exilic, reflecting the experiences of the Jewish people returning from exile or facing various trials in their restored land. The psalm's structure, with its repeated refrains, suggests a liturgical use, perhaps in a communal thanksgiving service where different groups would recall God's specific acts of salvation ^[8]. The emphasis on God's word as the instrument of healing and deliverance aligns with the broader Old Testament understanding of God's active presence and power through His spoken commands and decrees.

Key terms in Psalm 107:20 include "word" (דָּבָר, davar), "heals" (רָפָא, rapha), and "delivers" (נָצַל, natsal). The term davar for "word" in Hebrew carries significant weight, often referring not just to spoken language but to an active, powerful decree or command that brings about what it declares. God's word is depicted as an agent of creation (Genesis 1), judgment (Isaiah 55:11), and salvation. Here, it is the direct means by which healing and deliverance are accomplished ^[7]. The verb rapha means to heal, to make whole, or to restore, often used in the context of physical ailments but also spiritual and national restoration. Natsal means to deliver, rescue, or snatch away, implying a powerful act of intervention from a dangerous situation, here specifically from "their graves" or "destruction" (מַשְׁחִית, mashḥit), which can also mean a pit or ruin ^[1]. The Young's Literal Translation renders the preceding verse, Psalm 107:19, as "And cry unto Jehovah in their adversity, From their distresses He saveth them" ^[2]. This highlights the direct connection between the people's cry and God's saving action, which is then executed through His word.

The major exegetical decision in understanding Psalm 107:20 revolves around the nature of God's "word." Is it a general reference to His divine will, His law, His promises, or something more specific? Commentators generally agree that it refers to God's authoritative command or decree that brings about the desired effect. It is not merely a message but a powerful, active force. John Calvin, in his commentary, frequently emphasizes the power and efficacy of God's word in various contexts, seeing it as the instrument through which God accomplishes His purposes ^[7]. In this psalm, the word is presented as the direct cause of healing and rescue, underscoring God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene directly in human suffering.

The range of interpretations for Psalm 107:20 often centers on its application to prayer and divine intervention. The preceding verses consistently show people crying out to the Lord in their trouble, and God responding by saving them ^{[2, 3]}. This pattern reinforces the idea that prayer is a vital component in receiving God's deliverance. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists numerous biblical examples of prayer under affliction, including prayers for deliverance, for God's presence, and for divine comfort, citing various psalms as examples ^[4]. It also emphasizes that prayer is commanded and that God hears and answers prayers ^[5]. The psalmist's appeal in Psalm 109:21-25, for instance, demonstrates a similar plea for help in a state of vulnerability and misery, trusting in the Lord's reputation ^[9]. Similarly, Psalm 130 begins with a cry from "the depths" of distress, placing hope in the Lord's mercy and rescue ^[11].

The phrase "He sends his word, and heals them" has also been interpreted christologically by some traditions, seeing the "Word" as a prefigurement of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God, through whom ultimate healing and salvation come. While the immediate context is God's direct action, the New Testament frequently presents Jesus as the embodiment of God's healing and saving power, often through His spoken word (e.g., Matthew 8:8, where the centurion asks Jesus to "just say the word, and my servant will be healed"). The compassion of Christ, manifested towards the afflicted and diseased, is seen as an encouragement to prayer, as He is able to sympathize with human weakness ^[6].

This passage has functioned significantly in tradition as a testament to the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to human cries for help. It underscores the belief that God is not distant but actively involved in the lives of His people, particularly in times of distress. The repeated refrain of "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress" (Psalm 107:19, 28, ESV) serves as a foundational assurance for believers to turn to God in their suffering. The specific mention of God sending His word highlights the divine authority and efficacy behind His acts of healing and deliverance, reinforcing the idea that God's commands are not empty but bring about real change. The psalm encourages a posture of thanksgiving and praise, recognizing God's steadfast love as the ultimate source of all salvation ^{[8, 10]}.