God cares for the lowly and listens to their prayers.
He has regarded the prayer of the destitute And has not despised their prayer. (v.17) underscores God’s attentive ear toward those in desperate need, showing that no soul is too lowly or afflicted for Him to hear. The psalmist, traditionally considered to be writing at a time of deep personal or communal crisis (around 1000 BC, if composed by David, or in later centuries if by another poet), expresses a quiet confidence that God does not disregard the cries of people who have lost all worldly support. This verse affirms that the Lord’s compassion extends to those whom society might overlook, mirroring Jesus’ affirmation that the “poor in spirit” will be blessed (Matthew 5:3).
As the psalmist declares, He has regarded the prayer of the destitute (v.17), we see a picture of divine response that counteracts feelings of isolation and despair. In the broader context of this psalm, the author laments personal suffering, yet chooses to exalt God’s character as One who listens. This parallels the New Testament teaching where believers are reminded to cast all anxieties on God because He cares (1 Peter 5:7). In doing so, the psalmist shows us that destitution, whether physical or spiritual, does not disqualify anyone from approaching the Almighty.
This confidence is sealed with the phrase And has not despised their prayer (v.17), signaling a promise of hope for those who feel marginalized. The psalm points us to a God who is not only transcendent above all creation but also intimately involved in human affairs. Jesus, who healed the sick and welcomed the outcast, personifies this same compassionate attention (Mark 1:40-42), demonstrating in the flesh that genuine faith—especially from those considered least in society—can move the heart of God.
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Psalms 102:17 meaning
He has regarded the prayer of the destitute And has not despised their prayer. (v.17) underscores God’s attentive ear toward those in desperate need, showing that no soul is too lowly or afflicted for Him to hear. The psalmist, traditionally considered to be writing at a time of deep personal or communal crisis (around 1000 BC, if composed by David, or in later centuries if by another poet), expresses a quiet confidence that God does not disregard the cries of people who have lost all worldly support. This verse affirms that the Lord’s compassion extends to those whom society might overlook, mirroring Jesus’ affirmation that the “poor in spirit” will be blessed (Matthew 5:3).
As the psalmist declares, He has regarded the prayer of the destitute (v.17), we see a picture of divine response that counteracts feelings of isolation and despair. In the broader context of this psalm, the author laments personal suffering, yet chooses to exalt God’s character as One who listens. This parallels the New Testament teaching where believers are reminded to cast all anxieties on God because He cares (1 Peter 5:7). In doing so, the psalmist shows us that destitution, whether physical or spiritual, does not disqualify anyone from approaching the Almighty.
This confidence is sealed with the phrase And has not despised their prayer (v.17), signaling a promise of hope for those who feel marginalized. The psalm points us to a God who is not only transcendent above all creation but also intimately involved in human affairs. Jesus, who healed the sick and welcomed the outcast, personifies this same compassionate attention (Mark 1:40-42), demonstrating in the flesh that genuine faith—especially from those considered least in society—can move the heart of God.