What does Psalm 102:17 mean?
What is the meaning of Psalm 102:17?

He will turn toward

- God deliberately leans in; His face is not hidden from those who seek Him.

- Psalm 34:15 affirms, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.”

- Isaiah 59:1 reminds us, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear.”

- The verse assures that the Almighty’s first movement is toward us, not away from us.


the prayer

- Prayer is more than words; it is dependence voiced.

- Philippians 4:6 urges, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

- 1 Peter 5:7 calls believers to “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

- Psalm 102:17 emphasizes that God’s turning is directly connected to the act of praying, not to human merit.


of the destitute

- “Destitute” covers every form of poverty—material, emotional, spiritual.

• The brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)

• The crushed in spirit (Isaiah 66:2)

• The financially poor (Proverbs 19:17)

- God’s heart beats for those who have nothing left but Him, proving He is “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows” (Psalm 68:5).


He will not despise

- “Despise” signals rejection or disdain; God refuses to do either.

- Psalm 51:17 declares, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

- Isaiah 42:3 promises, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish.”

- The Holy One treats humble cries with honor rather than contempt.


their prayer

- The repetition drives home certainty—He welcomes every plea.

- 1 John 5:14 assures, “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

- James 5:16 underscores, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces results.”

- Even when words falter, Romans 8:26 comforts, “The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.”


summary

Psalm 102:17 pledges that God turns His attention toward the humble who pray; He never dismisses them. Destitution becomes a doorway to divine favor, not a barrier. In every circumstance, the Lord listens, values, and answers the earnest cries of those who know they cannot help themselves and therefore trust Him completely.

How does Psalm 102:16 reflect God's sovereignty in rebuilding Zion?
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