What is the meaning of Psalm 10:17? You have heard, O LORD “You have heard, O LORD…” (Psalm 10:17a) • The psalmist begins with confident assurance: God hears. This echoes Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are inclined to their cry,” and reminds us of 1 John 5:14, where believers are urged to pray boldly because the Lord listens. • God’s hearing is not passive; Exodus 2:24 shows Him responding to Israel’s groans. Here, we are invited to rest in a Father who never misses a whisper from His children. the desire of the humble “…the desire of the humble…” (Psalm 10:17a) • “Humble” signals those who bow under God’s authority, not the self-sufficient. Isaiah 57:15 affirms that God “revives the spirit of the lowly,” and James 4:6 promises grace to the humble. • Their “desire” is more than a passing wish—it is a heart-cry for justice and deliverance, aligning with Psalm 9:12, where God “does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.” • The verse assures every believer who feels small or overlooked that humility positions us to be heard. You will strengthen their hearts “…You will strengthen their hearts.” (Psalm 10:17b) • Divine hearing leads to divine enabling. Psalm 27:14 urges, “Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage,” and Philippians 4:13 shows that strength flows from Christ. • Ways God fortifies the heart: – Renewed courage in trials (Isaiah 40:29-31) – Inner resilience through the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16) – Steadfast peace that guards against fear (John 14:27) • The Lord doesn’t merely sympathize; He equips the humble to stand firm. You will incline Your ear “…You will incline Your ear,” (Psalm 10:17c) • The phrase pictures God bending down, intent on every syllable. Psalm 116:2 celebrates this same tenderness: “Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.” • Inclining implies ongoing attention—He keeps listening until the answer comes. Compare Psalm 31:2, “Turn Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue,” demonstrating that God’s nearness fuels expectancy. • 2 Chronicles 7:15 underscores that His ears are perpetually open to the prayers of His people, confirming that intimacy with God is not momentary but constant. summary Psalm 10:17 assures believers that the Lord hears, cherishes, and responds to the earnest longings of the humble. He not only listens but actively strengthens the hearts of those who trust Him, leaning in to every plea. Living with this confidence encourages us to approach God freely, remain humble, and rely on His promised courage for every challenge. |
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