What does "He will take pity" reveal about God's character in Psalm 72:13? Setting the Scene: Psalm 72 as a Messianic Portrait Psalm 72 celebrates the reign of the ideal king—ultimately fulfilled in Christ—whose rule mirrors God’s own heart. Verse 13 declares: “He will take pity on the weak and needy and save the lives of the needy.” Meaning of “He will take pity” • “Take pity” translates a Hebrew verb that pictures a deep, gut-level compassion—a stirring that propels action. • This is not mere sympathy; it is covenant faithfulness expressed through tangible rescue. • The phrase presents God’s compassion as certain: “He will” rather than “He might.” • The focus rests on “the weak and needy,” those most easily overlooked, underscoring God’s attentive love for the powerless. Dimensions of God’s Compassion Displayed 1. Personal tenderness – Exodus 34:6: “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious…” – God’s compassion is personal, not institutional; He knows each afflicted one. 2. Protective intervention – Psalm 72:13 links pity with saving lives, showing compassion that moves to deliverance. – Psalm 103:13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” 3. Justice for the oppressed – Psalm 72:4 in the same psalm: “May he vindicate the afflicted among the people, save the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor.” – Compassion and justice are inseparable; God’s pity corrects wrongs, not just soothes feelings. 4. Continuous faithfulness – Lamentations 3:22–23: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning…” Compassion in Action: Consistent With the Whole Bible • Old Testament glimpses – Isaiah 40:11: God “tends His flock like a shepherd” and “carries the lambs in His arms.” – 2 Kings 13:23: Though Israel rebelled, “the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and turned to them.” • New Testament fulfillment – Matthew 9:36: Jesus “was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless.” – Luke 7:13: Seeing the widow at Nain, “the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, ‘Do not weep.’” – James 5:11: “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” The same heart shown in Psalm 72 beats throughout Scripture and culminates in Jesus, the King who embodies divine pity by giving His own life. Implications for Our View of God • God is not distant; His nature inclines toward the hurting. • His authority does not negate tenderness; true sovereignty includes compassion. • His pity assures every believer that no weakness is hidden from His sight. • The certainty of His compassion anchors hope for the marginalized and oppressed. Responding to God’s Compassionate Heart • Rest securely in His unfailing pity when personal weakness feels overwhelming. • Reflect His character by active mercy toward the overlooked and vulnerable (Ephesians 5:1–2). • Praise Him for a reign that never sacrifices justice for expedience and never ignores the cry of the needy. |
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