Book of Jonah - Chapter 2 - Verse 2

This verse from the book of Jonah describes the desperate cry of the prophet Jonah as he finds himself in the depths of despair. Jonah had been running away from God's call to go to the city of Nineveh to preach repentance, and as a result, he ended up in a great storm at sea and eventually swallowed by a great fish. In his distress, Jonah cried out to the Lord for help, acknowledging his dire situation and the consequences of his disobedience. The phrase "out of the belly of hell cried I" figuratively conveys Jonah's feeling of being trapped in a hopeless and dark place. Despite his disobedience, God heard Jonah's cry and rescued him from the depths of his despair. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may stray from God, He is always ready to listen to our cries for help and deliver us from even the darkest of situations.

In this verse, the psalmist vividly describes crying out to the Lord in the midst of affliction and being heard by Him. The phrase "out of the belly of hell" is a powerful image that suggests the depth of the psalmist's suffering and despair. It could be interpreted metaphorically as being in the depths of despair or literally as facing death. However, the important message is that even in the darkest moments, the psalmist found solace in turning to God for help and was comforted by the knowledge that his prayers were answered. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of God's presence and responsiveness to our cries for help, no matter how dire the circumstances. It reminds readers of the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. The word study of "belly of hell" could delve into the Hebrew meaning of "sheol" or the concept of the underworld in ancient Hebrew beliefs, adding depth to the understanding of the verse. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God in times of trouble.