For 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.
For he has not despised or turned away from the suffering of those who are hurting; he has not hidden his face from them; but when they cried out to him, he listened.
God is saying that he doesn't ignore or reject people when they're suffering - instead, he listens and responds when they call out to him.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is traditionally attributed to King David and begins with the famous words 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' - words later quoted by Jesus on the cross. The psalm moves from deep anguish and feeling abandoned by God to a declaration of God's faithfulness and deliverance. This verse comes in the second half where the tone shifts from despair to praise and testimony of God's response to suffering.
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