The nearness of the LORD to the brokenhearted is a steadfast promise of restoration in our darkest hours.
David, who lived around 1000 BC and served as King over Israel after his days as a shepherd, reflects on God’s compassion in a deeply personal way when he writes, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (v.18) This psalm demonstrates David’s assurance that God’s presence is not distant or oblivious; rather, He stands ready to assist those whose hearts have been wounded by life’s pains. David’s own life journey, filled with triumphs and failings, underscores how the Lord’s nearness is a source of comfort and strength for anyone longing to draw close to Him.
The promise that “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (v.18) flows perfectly with the larger biblical theme of God’s care for the helpless. As it is taught elsewhere, “The one who fears the LORD will never lack anything” (Psalms 34:9), a truth cited in commentary on Deuteronomy 4:9 that emphasizes how reverence for God aligns our hearts with His blessings. Scripture also reminds us that our shattered hopes and inward burdens do not push God away. Instead, He draws closer to the hurting, standing as an ever-present help in trouble (Psalms 50:15), a truth recalled in Hosea commentary that points to God’s willingness to rescue anyone who seeks His face.
This same theme of comfort and deliverance finds its ultimate fulfillment in the ministry of Jesus, who came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18) and to comfort those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). By taking on humanity’s grief and suffering, Christ vividly demonstrates that no pain is too deep for God’s compassionate reach. Through Jesus, we learn God does more than merely notice our sorrow—He enters into it and offers redemption for both our wounded spirits and our sense of isolation.
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Psalms 34:18 meaning
David, who lived around 1000 BC and served as King over Israel after his days as a shepherd, reflects on God’s compassion in a deeply personal way when he writes, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (v.18) This psalm demonstrates David’s assurance that God’s presence is not distant or oblivious; rather, He stands ready to assist those whose hearts have been wounded by life’s pains. David’s own life journey, filled with triumphs and failings, underscores how the Lord’s nearness is a source of comfort and strength for anyone longing to draw close to Him.
The promise that “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (v.18) flows perfectly with the larger biblical theme of God’s care for the helpless. As it is taught elsewhere, “The one who fears the LORD will never lack anything” (Psalms 34:9), a truth cited in commentary on Deuteronomy 4:9 that emphasizes how reverence for God aligns our hearts with His blessings. Scripture also reminds us that our shattered hopes and inward burdens do not push God away. Instead, He draws closer to the hurting, standing as an ever-present help in trouble (Psalms 50:15), a truth recalled in Hosea commentary that points to God’s willingness to rescue anyone who seeks His face.
This same theme of comfort and deliverance finds its ultimate fulfillment in the ministry of Jesus, who came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18) and to comfort those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). By taking on humanity’s grief and suffering, Christ vividly demonstrates that no pain is too deep for God’s compassionate reach. Through Jesus, we learn God does more than merely notice our sorrow—He enters into it and offers redemption for both our wounded spirits and our sense of isolation.