Psalms 106:44
Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יַּרְא
Nevertheless he regarded
H7200
וַ֭יַּרְא
Nevertheless he regarded
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּ֝שָׁמְע֗וֹ
when he heard
H8085
בְּ֝שָׁמְע֗וֹ
when he heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Judges 3:9And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.Judges 4:3And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.Judges 2:18And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
Historical Context
Throughout Judges, 'the children of Israel cried unto the LORD' when oppression became unbearable, and God raised up deliverers (Judges 3:9, 15; 4:3; 6:6-7; 10:10). This wasn't because Israel deserved rescue but because God's covenant character compelled response. Similarly, in Egypt, God heard their groaning 'and God remembered his covenant' (Exodus 2:24). God's regard for affliction flows from covenant commitment, not human merit.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's responsiveness to our cry demonstrate His covenant faithfulness?
- What is the difference between repentance that manipulates God versus genuine contrition?
- How should God's attentiveness to afflicted prayers affect our prayer life?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse shows God's attentiveness to His people despite their rebellion. 'Nevertheless he regarded their affliction' uses raah (רָאָה), meaning He saw, looked upon, or paid attention to their distress. 'When he heard their cry' shows God responds to genuine repentance and desperate prayer. Even when affliction was deserved judgment for sin, God remained attentive to their cry. This demonstrates the tension in God's character: He judges sin yet shows mercy to those who cry out. 'Nevertheless' is crucial—it indicates God's response wasn't merited by Israel but flowed from His covenant character. Grace means God sees our affliction even when it's self-inflicted and hears our cry even when we deserve silence.