Psalms 102:17
He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
Original Language Analysis
פָּ֭נָה
He will regard
H6437
פָּ֭נָה
He will regard
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
1 of 8
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
תְּפִלָּתָֽם׃
the prayer
H8605
תְּפִלָּתָֽם׃
the prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
3 of 8
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Nehemiah 1:6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.Psalms 22:24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.Psalms 9:18For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.Psalms 72:12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.Deuteronomy 4:29But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.Deuteronomy 32:36For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.Psalms 69:23Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.
Historical Context
The exiles in Babylon were politically powerless and economically devastated. This verse assured them that despite their low estate, God heard their prayers and would respond to their pleas for restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing your spiritual poverty position you to receive God's grace?
- In what ways can you demonstrate God's regard for the destitute through your actions?
Analysis & Commentary
God regards (panah) the prayer of the destitute (ar'ar), never despising their supplication. The 'destitute' are those stripped of everything, like desolate shrubs in the wilderness. This promise assures believers that earthly poverty doesn't hinder access to God; indeed, spiritual poverty is prerequisite for divine favor (Matt 5:3). Christ, who had nowhere to lay His head (Luke 9:58), identifies with the destitute and intercedes for them. The Reformed doctrine of God's electing love emphasizes that He initiates and answers prayer for those who cannot help themselves.