In the biblical context, a "cry for help" is a profound expression of human need and dependence on God. It is a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the relationship between God and His people. This cry is often a prayer or plea for divine intervention in times of distress, danger, or despair.

Old Testament Instances

1. Exodus 2:23-25: The Israelites' cry for help is poignantly captured during their bondage in Egypt. "The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." This passage highlights God's responsiveness to the cries of His people and His faithfulness to His covenant.

2. Psalm 18:6: David frequently cried out to God in his psalms. "In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears." This verse underscores the belief that God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous and is willing to deliver them from their troubles.

3. 1 Samuel 7:8-9: The Israelites, facing the threat of the Philistines, implored Samuel to cry out to the LORD on their behalf. "Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines." Samuel's intercession and the subsequent divine intervention demonstrate the power of a communal cry for help.

New Testament Instances

1. Matthew 14:30: Peter's cry for help is a vivid example of immediate need. As he began to sink while walking on water, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" This brief but urgent plea resulted in Jesus reaching out His hand to save Peter, illustrating the immediacy of divine assistance in times of peril.

2. Mark 10:47-48: Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, cried out to Jesus for mercy. "When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'" Despite being rebuked by the crowd, Bartimaeus persisted, and Jesus responded to his faith by restoring his sight.

3. Acts 16:25: Paul and Silas, imprisoned in Philippi, prayed and sang hymns to God. Their cries were not for immediate release but were expressions of faith and worship. "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Their subsequent miraculous release underscores the power of prayerful cries in any circumstance.

Theological Significance

A cry for help in the Bible is not merely an expression of desperation but a demonstration of faith and trust in God's power and willingness to save. It reflects the human condition of vulnerability and the divine attribute of compassion. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). This theme encourages believers to turn to God in their times of need, assured of His listening ear and ready assistance.