For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even in the midst of deep suffering and apparent abandonment, this verse highlights God's unwavering compassion. He doesn't turn away in disgust from the "affliction of the afflicted," but rather hears the cries of those in distress, proving that their pain is not ignored or dismissed by Him.
For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a deep cry of anguish and perceived abandonment, the Psalmist transitions from lament to confident praise. Verses 22-23 declare a resolve to proclaim God's name to "brethren" and call upon the faithful to praise Him, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and thanksgiving. Verse 24 then provides the powerful assurance that God, far from despising the suffering, has actively heard the cries of the afflicted, laying the groundwork for renewed trust and public testimony.
When you're hurting, it can feel like the whole world looks down on you. But what if God sees things differently?
The psalm declares that God doesn't despise or abhor the suffering of the afflicted. This is a powerful counterpoint to the feeling of abandonment that often accompanies deep pain.
The deepest pain can come from feeling utterly alone, as if God himself has turned his back. But is that truly God's way?
The psalm assures us that God did not hide his face. While there might be times of apparent absence or silence, this verse promises it's not permanent abandonment.
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In our most desperate moments, a cry can feel like all we have left. What happens to that sound in God's ears?
The culmination of this verse is the powerful assurance: 'but has heard, when he cried to him.' This highlights the efficacy of prayer, especially in times of affliction.
Understand the original words
oni · Hebrew Noun
The state of being low, humbled, or suffering. Biblically, God is frequently depicted as the helper of those who are in this position.
panim · Hebrew Noun
In theological terms, the 'face' of God represents His presence, favor, and attention; hiding it indicates withdrawal of blessing or judgment, while revealing it indicates salvation and grace.
This psalm, particularly verses like 24, reflects a deep understanding of God's faithfulness even amidst profound suffering and abandonment. It speaks to the experiences of individuals and the nation of Israel during periods of intense affliction, exile, and political upheaval, assuring them that God does not ultimately despise or abandon those who cry out to Him.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David unites the tribes of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, ushering in a golden age of worship and national identity.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
King Solomon dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place for Israelite worship and sacrifice. This signifies a peak of national prosperity and divine favor.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its people and scattering them. This event instilled deep fear and insecurity in the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and First Temple
The Babylonian Empire conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, and exiles a significant portion of the population to Babylon. This marks a profound national trauma and crisis of faith.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Allows Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homeland and rebuild their temples.
c. 450 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah Lead Return and Reconstruction
Ezra the scribe and Nehemiah the governor lead subsequent waves of returnees to Jerusalem, focusing on rebuilding the city walls and reforming religious and social life.
c. 150 BC - 30 BC
Hasmonean Dynasty and Second Temple Period
The Hasmonean dynasty, rising from the Maccabean revolt against Seleucid oppression, rules Judea and rededicates the Second Temple. This period is marked by internal political strife and varying degrees of religious freedom.
This passage describes the Suffering Servant who, like the 'afflicted' in the psalm, was oppressed and afflicted, yet did not open his mouth, highlighting the silent endurance of suffering.
Hebrews 5:7This New Testament passage directly references Christ's experience, stating that 'in the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.'
John 11:42In the account of Lazarus' resurrection, Jesus prays, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me...' This echoes the psalm's assurance that God hears the cry of the afflicted.
Luke 18:7Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing that God 'will grant justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night. Will he delay long over them?' This highlights God's attentiveness to the cries of His people.
poolePsalms 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."
He hath not despised: I was despised by the people, Psalm 22:6 , but not by God. Nor abhorred, i.e. he did not turn away his face from it, as men do from things which they abhor, but looked upon it with compassion. Neither hath he hid his face from him, to wit, for ever; for he did so for a time; but now, saith he, he hath lift up up…
calvinPsalms 22:22-24: "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee."
I will declare thy name to my brethren: in the midst of the assembly will I praise thee. 23. [Saying, [519] ] Ye who fear Jehovah, praise him: all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 24. For he hath not despised nor disdained the poor; nor hath he hidden his face from him; and when he cried unto him he heard him.
I will declare thy na…
Even in the midst of deep suffering and apparent abandonment, this verse highlights God's unwavering compassion. He doesn't turn away in disgust from the "affliction of the afflicted," but rather hears the cries of those in distress, proving that their pain is not ignored or dismissed by Him.
After a deep cry of anguish and perceived abandonment, the Psalmist transitions from lament to confident praise. Verses 22-23 declare a resolve to proclaim God's name to "brethren" and call upon the faithful to praise Him, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and thanksgiving. Verse 24 then provides the powerful assurance that God, far from despising the suffering, has actively heard the cries of the afflicted, laying the groundwork for renewed trust and public testimony.
After a deep cry of anguish and perceived abandonment, the Psalmist transitions from lament to confident praise. Verses 22-23 declare a resolve to proclaim God's name to "brethren" and call upon the faithful to praise Him, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and thanksgiving. Verse 24 then provides the powerful assurance that God, far from despising the suffering, has actively heard the cries of the afflicted, laying the groundwork for renewed trust and public testimony.
"For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him." — Even in the midst of deep suffering and apparent abandonment, this verse highlights God's unwavering compassion. He doesn't turn away in disgust from the "affliction of the afflicted," but rather hea…
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Last reviewed October 2026