Psalm 22:24 is a powerful verse expressing God's compassion and responsiveness to those who are suffering. Let's break it down:
"For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted..." This means God doesn't look down on or hate the suffering of those who are in pain or trouble. He doesn't ignore or dismiss their struggles. The words "despised" and "abhorred" emphasize the strength of God's empathy.
"Neither has he hidden his face from him..." This suggests God doesn't turn away from those who are suffering. Hiding one's face is an act of rejection or indifference. God is not indifferent; he remains present and attentive to the afflicted.
"But when he cried to him, he heard." This is the heart of the verse. When the suffering person cries out to God in prayer or supplication, God listens and responds. He doesn't ignore their cries, but actively hears them.
In essence, the verse communicates the following ideas:
God is compassionate: He feels for those who are afflicted.
God is present: He doesn't abandon those who are suffering.
God is responsive: He hears the cries of those who call upon him.
Context within Psalm 22:
Psalm 22 is famously a psalm of lament, with the first half describing intense suffering and feelings of abandonment. This verse (22:24) marks a shift in the psalm, offering a glimmer of hope and assurance that God has not truly abandoned the speaker. It's a turning point towards trust and praise.
Application:
This verse provides comfort and encouragement to those who are going through difficult times. It reminds us that even in the midst of suffering, God is present, compassionate, and hears our prayers. It is a powerful statement of God's faithfulness to those who call upon him. It also emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's help in times of affliction.
Psalm 22:24 is a powerful verse expressing God's compassion and responsiveness to those who are suffering. Let's break it down:
"For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted..." This means God doesn't look down on or hate the suffering of those who are in pain or trouble. He doesn't ignore or dismiss their struggles. The words "despised" and "abhorred" emphasize the strength of God's empathy.
"Neither has he hidden his face from him..." This suggests God doesn't turn away from those who are suffering. Hiding one's face is an act of rejection or indifference. God is not indifferent; he remains present and attentive to the afflicted.
"But when he cried to him, he heard." This is the heart of the verse. When the suffering person cries out to God in prayer or supplication, God listens and responds. He doesn't ignore their cries, but actively hears them.
In essence, the verse communicates the following ideas:
God is compassionate: He feels for those who are afflicted.
God is present: He doesn't abandon those who are suffering.
God is responsive: He hears the cries of those who call upon him.
Context within Psalm 22:
Psalm 22 is famously a psalm of lament, with the first half describing intense suffering and feelings of abandonment. This verse (22:24) marks a shift in the psalm, offering a glimmer of hope and assurance that God has not truly abandoned the speaker. It's a turning point towards trust and praise.
Application:
This verse provides comfort and encouragement to those who are going through difficult times. It reminds us that even in the midst of suffering, God is present, compassionate, and hears our prayers. It is a powerful statement of God's faithfulness to those who call upon him. It also emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's help in times of affliction.