he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word for "destitute" here paints a vivid picture not just of poverty, but of a desolate, stripped-bare existence, like a stunted desert shrub. This highlights that God hears not just the prayers of the poor, but of those who are utterly ruined and exposed, those who have nothing left but their pleas to Him.
he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is describing a period of intense suffering and desolation, likely exile, where the people of God are stripped of everything, like a dry desert shrub. Amidst this ruin and apparent abandonment, the psalm shifts to a profound assurance that God hears and honors the prayers of His afflicted people, promising future restoration and vindication. This act of God regarding their prayers, even when they feel utterly alone and destitute, is presented as a prelude to His glorious rebuilding of Zion.
Ever felt so low you thought God wouldn't even notice?
The Hebrew word used here for 'destitute' is fascinating. It literally means someone who is 'naked' or 'stripped bare.' Think of it like a plant that's been completely withered and dried up, clinging to existence.
This isn't just about being poor in money, but about being stripped of all human help, confidence, and even dignity. It describes someone who has nothing left to offer or rely on, except their desperate need for God.
When the psalm uses this word, it paints a picture of someone utterly exposed and vulnerable, like the exiles in Babylon stripped of their homeland and their security. It's a state of profound helplessness.
Does God really hear prayers that feel small and insignificant?
The verse makes two powerful declarations about God's response to the destitute: He 'regards' their prayer and 'does not despise' it.
'Regard' here isn't just a passive glance; it implies active attention, turning towards them. It’s God intentionally focusing on the cry of the one who has nothing.
And 'does not despise' is crucial. It means He doesn't treat their prayers with contempt or dismiss them. Even though the 'destitute' person might feel worthless, their prayer is precious to God. It's not about the eloquence or the volume of the prayer, but the genuine need and faith behind it.
Understand the original words
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ar'ar · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Describes one who is lacking, impoverished, or stripped of resources. Biblically, it refers to those who have no earthly help and must rely entirely upon God for sustenance and deliverance.
panah · Hebrew Verb
To look upon, pay attention to, or give regard to. It implies an active, compassionate notice taken by God toward the prayers and circumstances of His people.
This psalm speaks to a time of profound national crisis and subsequent restoration. The 'destitute' are the exiled people of Judah, stripped of everything, whose prayers God hears and answers by initiating their return and rebuilding Jerusalem.
c. 605-539 BC
Babylonian Exile
The people of Judah are exiled to Babylon, stripped of their homeland, temple, and religious institutions. This period of profound loss and powerlessness is often associated with the 'destitute' described in the psalm.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, signifying a spiritual and national low point for the Israelites. This event would have intensified the sense of desolation and the need for prayer.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire falls to the Persians, creating an opportunity for the exiled Israelites to return to their homeland.
c. 538 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the restoration period.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, signifying a return of worship and a tangible sign of God's faithfulness amidst ongoing challenges.
This passage directly parallels the heart of Psalm 102:17, showing God's attentiveness to the humble and desperate prayer of the tax collector, emphasizing that God doesn't overlook those who cry out to Him in their need.
2 Corinthians 12:9Paul's experience echoes the 'destitute' state described in the psalm, where God's power is made perfect in weakness. This shows that even in our most stripped-down and vulnerable moments, God hears and responds to our prayers.
Isaiah 58:9This prophecy highlights God's promise to hear the cries of those who are oppressed and in need, directly connecting to the 'prayer of the destitute' and showing God's active engagement with the afflicted.
Jeremiah 17:6This verse uses the same unique Hebrew word for 'destitute' (rendered here as 'heath' or 'shrub'), painting a picture of barrenness and isolation, which vividly illustrates the deep spiritual and physical need of those whose prayers God regards.
Romans 8:26This passage speaks to how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't even know how to pray properly, affirming that God hears and understands even our inarticulate groans and needs when we are destitute.
clarkePsalms 102:17: "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer."
The prayer of the destitute - הערער haarar of him who is laid in utter ruin, who is entirely wasted.
pulpitPsalms 102:17: "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer."
Verse 17. - He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer; rather, he hath regarded... and hath not despised (see the Revised Version). The word translated "destitute" is elsewhere (Jeremiah 17:6) only used as the name of a shrub - probably the dwarf juniper, still so called by the Arabs. The dwarf juniper has "a gloomy stunted appearance" (Tristram), and well symbolizes the Is…
The word for "destitute" here paints a vivid picture not just of poverty, but of a desolate, stripped-bare existence, like a stunted desert shrub. This highlights that God hears not just the prayers of the poor, but of those who are utterly ruined and exposed, those who have nothing left but their pleas to Him.
The psalmist is describing a period of intense suffering and desolation, likely exile, where the people of God are stripped of everything, like a dry desert shrub. Amidst this ruin and apparent abandonment, the psalm shifts to a profound assurance that God hears and honors the prayers of His afflicted people, promising future restoration and vindication. This act of God regarding their prayers, even when they feel utterly alone and destitute, is presented as a prelude to His glorious rebuilding of Zion.
The psalmist is describing a period of intense suffering and desolation, likely exile, where the people of God are stripped of everything, like a dry desert shrub. Amidst this ruin and apparent abandonment, the psalm shifts to a profound assurance that God hears and honors the prayers of His afflicted people, promising future restoration and vindication. This act of God regarding their prayers, even when they feel utterly alone and destitute, is presented as a prelude to His glorious rebuilding of Zion.
"he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer." — The word for "destitute" here paints a vivid picture not just of poverty, but of a desolate, stripped-bare existence, like a stunted desert shrub. This highlights that God hears not just the prayers…
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Last reviewed October 2026