Connect Psalm 9:12 with another scripture emphasizing God's care for the needy. Setting the Scene God never overlooks suffering. From Genesis to Revelation, He consistently reveals Himself as the righteous Judge who also acts as compassionate Father. Two passages show this beautifully: • Psalm 9:12 — “For the Avenger of blood remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.” • Proverbs 19:17 — “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” Psalm 9:12—God’s Ear Is Tuned to the Afflicted • “Avenger of blood” underscores His role as the just Judge who defends the wronged. • “Remembers” means permanent mindfulness; no plea slips through the cracks. • “Does not ignore” stresses active intervention, not passive awareness. • “Cry of the afflicted” identifies the needy as a priority audience for His attention. Proverbs 19:17—God Credits Care for the Needy to Himself • “Kindness to the poor” makes charity personal and practical. • “Is a loan to the LORD” elevates mercy from social courtesy to worship: every act toward the needy becomes an investment in God’s economy. • “He will repay” reveals a covenant promise—He binds His honor to rewarding compassion. Shared Truths between the Two Texts 1. God’s character is both just and compassionate. 2. He identifies with the needy so closely that helping them is equivalent to serving Him. 3. He takes personal responsibility for vindicating the oppressed and blessing their defenders. 4. Judgment and mercy meet: He avenges wrong yet rewards kindness. Supporting Verses Reinforcing the Connection • Exodus 3:7—“I have surely seen the affliction of My people…and I have heard their cry.” • Psalm 72:12–13—“For He will deliver the needy who cry out…He will have compassion.” • Luke 4:18—“He has sent Me to preach good news to the poor.” • James 1:27—“Pure and undefiled religion…is to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” Living the Connection • Notice suffering—train your heart to “remember” as God does. • Respond with tangible kindness—view every gift as a “loan” to the Lord. • Trust God’s justice—He hears the oppressed and will balance every account. |
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