The affirmation 'he will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer' returns from the cosmic vision to the particular concern for the afflicted, the 'destitute' (aredum). The verb 'regard' (panah) suggests turning to face, attending to with recognition and care—a reversal of the divine hiding of face lamented earlier. The doubled reference to 'prayer' emphasizes that God's regard is precisely for the prayer itself, not merely its content or the petitioner's worthiness. This verse affirms a profound theological truth: that the prayer of the powerless has standing before God, that destitution does not disqualify one from divine attention but rather makes one's prayer particularly significant. The structure of the verse—promise and negation ('will regard...will not despise')—reinforces the assurance being offered to those who have experienced only rejection.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse