Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a hopeful wish, but a deeply practical one: salvation is expected to come from Zion, God's dwelling place, signifying that His intervention is the only true source of deliverance. The anticipation of "bringing back the captivity" isn't necessarily about a literal exile, but a broader restoration from any misfortune or spiritual bondage.
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm laments widespread corruption and a practical denial of God, describing a world where iniquity prevails. In response, the psalmist cries out with an earnest longing for God's salvation to come from Zion. This verse expresses a profound hope for deliverance and restoration, anticipating a time of joy when God reunites and blesses His people.
In times of deep distress, where do you look for hope? This verse points to a specific place and a profound longing.
Zion as the Source of Salvation
The psalmist cries out, "Oh that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!" This isn't just a random wish; Zion held a special significance.
What does true restoration look like? This verse connects God's action with an outpouring of joy.
The Turn of Fortune
The second part of the verse speaks of God 'restor[ing] the fortunes' of His people. This phrase carries deep meaning:
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Understand the original words
yĕšûʿâ · Hebrew Noun
Deliverance, rescue, or victory. It encompasses both physical deliverance from enemies or distress and spiritual liberation from sin and judgment, ultimately found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
ṣiyyôn · Hebrew Noun
A mountain in Jerusalem, often referred to as the city of David or the place where the Temple was built. It represents the dwelling place of God’s presence on earth, the center of His rule, and the source of His blessing for His people.
šûb šĕbût · Hebrew Verb phrase
The act of God returning His people to a state of prosperity, blessing, or freedom after a time of captivity, suffering, or divine judgment. It implies the reversal of calamity and the renewal of God's favor.
yaʿăqōb · Hebrew Noun
Another name for the patriarch Jacob, frequently used to refer to the covenant people of God as a whole. It serves as a reminder of their shared ancestry, the promises given to the patriarchs, and their identity as those chosen by God.
yiśrāʾēl · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting the covenant nation chosen by God. It refers to the collective people of God who are set apart for His purposes and are the recipients of His specific covenantal promises and instructions.
This verse expresses a deep longing for God's deliverance, likely written during or reflecting upon the exilic period. The mention of Zion points to Jerusalem as the divinely appointed place from which God's salvation and restoration would ultimately come, a hope that would find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
c. 1000 BC
David establishes Jerusalem
King David conquers Jerusalem and establishes it as the capital of Israel, making Mount Zion its religious center. This sets the stage for Zion to be seen as God's dwelling place.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom divides
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division would lead to future conflict and exile.
722 BC
Assyrian conquest of Israel
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This event served as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
586 BC— this verse
Babylonian conquest of Judah
The Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II conquers Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, destroying the Temple and exiling much of the population to Babylon.
539 BC
Persian conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple completed
The Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and complete the rebuilding of the Temple, marking a significant step in the restoration of their community and religious life.
This passage echoes the yearning for salvation to come from Zion, describing Zion as the city that announces good news and God's powerful arrival to save His people.
Jeremiah 30:18-22It prophesies God's return and restoration of Jacob, bringing joy and gladness, directly paralleling the sentiment in Psalm 14:7 about God restoring His people and their rejoicing.
Romans 11:26This New Testament passage directly quotes and applies the prophecy that 'out of Zion will come the Deliverer,' linking the Old Testament hope of salvation from Zion to the coming of Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:29-32Simeon's prophecy about Jesus being a 'light for revelation to the Gentiles' and the glory of Israel reflects the fulfillment of salvation coming from Zion, bringing gladness to Israel.
clarkePsalms 14:7: "Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad."
O that the salvation - Or, more literally, Who will give from Zion salvation to Israel? From Zion the deliverance must come; for God alone can deliver them; but whom will he make his instruments? When the Lord bringeth back - For it is Jehovah alone who can do it. Jacob shall rejoice and Israel shall be glad. That is, accor…
ellicottPsalms 14:7: "Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad."
(7) Oh that. —The thoughts of the exiles turn to the Holy City as the one source of deliverance, as if Jehovah’s power would only manifest itself from His hallowed abode. So Daniel looked towards Jerusalem in his prayer. (Comp. the same feeling in Isaiah 40:9-10 .) For the expression “turn the captivity,” or, to keep the He…
This verse isn't just a hopeful wish, but a deeply practical one: salvation is expected to come from Zion, God's dwelling place, signifying that His intervention is the only true source of deliverance. The anticipation of "bringing back the captivity" isn't necessarily about a literal exile, but a broader restoration from any misfortune or spiritual bondage.
The psalm laments widespread corruption and a practical denial of God, describing a world where iniquity prevails. In response, the psalmist cries out with an earnest longing for God's salvation to come from Zion. This verse expresses a profound hope for deliverance and restoration, anticipating a time of joy when God reunites and blesses His people.
The psalm laments widespread corruption and a practical denial of God, describing a world where iniquity prevails. In response, the psalmist cries out with an earnest longing for God's salvation to come from Zion. This verse expresses a profound hope for deliverance and restoration, anticipating a time of joy when God reunites and blesses His people.
"Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad." — This verse isn't just a hopeful wish, but a deeply practical one: salvation is expected to come from Zion, God's dwelling place, signifying that His intervention is the only true source of delivera…
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Last reviewed October 2026