The
righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalm 34:17-18
Psalm 34 [10.] The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger,
but those who seek Yahweh shall not lack any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me.
I will teach you the fear of Yahweh.
Who is someone who desires life,
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking lies.
Depart from evil, and do good.
Yahweh’s eyes are toward the righteous.
Yahweh’s face is against those who do evil,
to cut off their memory from the earth.
The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but Yahweh delivers him out of them all.
Meaning:
- Divine Response to the Righteous:
These verses highlight the responsive nature of God to the cries of the righteous. When the righteous cry out to Him in distress, God hears their prayers and intervenes on their behalf. This underscores His faithfulness and commitment to deliver His people from their troubles.
- Divine Compassion for the Afflicted:
The psalmist emphasizes God's nearness to those who are suffering emotionally. He is not distant or aloof but intimately present with those who have a broken heart or a crushed spirit. God's proximity brings comfort and reassurance to the afflicted, assuring them of His compassion and care.
Significance:
Assurance of Divine Deliverance: Psalm 34:17-18 provides assurance to believers that God is actively involved in their our and is attentive to our prayers. No matter what challenges or trials we may face, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God hears our cries and is able to deliver us from all our troubles.
Comfort for the Brokenhearted: These verses offer comfort and hope to those who are experiencing emotional pain or turmoil. God's nearness to the brokenhearted serves as a source of solace and strength, enabling them to find refuge and healing in His presence. Even in the midst of their deepest sorrows, we can trust that God is with them, offering comfort and restoration.
Encouragement for Persistent Prayer: Psalm 34:17-18 encourages believers to persist in prayer, especially during times of trial or distress. The righteous are urged to cry out to God with confidence, knowing that He hears and responds to our prayers. This encourages a posture of dependence on God and a trust in His faithfulness to deliver us from adversity.
Cross References:
Psalm 145:18-19: Another psalm affirms the nearness of God to all who call on Him in truth, emphasizing His responsiveness to the cries of the righteous: "Yahweh is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him. He also will hear their cry and will save them."
Isaiah 57:15: Isaiah describes God as dwelling with the contrite and lowly in spirit, indicating His presence with those who are brokenhearted: "For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
In Conclusion: Psalm 34:17-18 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers, assuring us of God's responsiveness to our prayers and His nearness to the brokenhearted. As we face trials and challenges in life, we can take refuge in the knowledge that God hears our cries and is able to deliver us from all our troubles. This assurance enables us to persevere in prayer, find solace in His presence, and experience His healing and restoration in our lives.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible