Psalms 22:24

For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Psalms 22:24 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 22 is a messianic psalm that expresses deep anguish and suffering. It contains vivid descriptions of pain and abandonment, yet it also holds hope and trust in God’s deliverance. The psalm points forward to the sufferings and victory of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Messiah. This verse is the concluding affirmation of that hope.

Meaning

The verse highlights God’s attitude toward the afflicted. It affirms that God does not despise or abhor the affliction of those who suffer. In times of distress, when we feel overwhelmed, it is comforting to know that God understands our pain and does not turn away from us. The afflicted one here is Christ, who was afflicted by men through their words and actions, and by devils through temptations, yet was not overcome.

The verse also emphasizes that God does not hide His face from the afflicted. Even though it may sometimes feel as if God is distant or silent during our struggles, this verse assures us that He is present with us. God sees our afflictions and is actively engaged in our lives, ready to hear and respond to our cries for help.

The verse concludes by stating that when the afflicted cry out to God, He hears them. This highlights the power and effectiveness of prayer. God is attentive to the prayers of His people, especially in times of distress. He listens to our cries and responds according to His perfect wisdom and timing.

Application

This verse encourages us to take comfort in the compassionate nature of God. When we face afflictions, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He does not despise our suffering. We can trust that He is present with us, even when we cannot perceive His presence. We should not hesitate to cry out to Him in prayer, for He hears and answers the cries of the afflicted.