This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "this poor man" isn't just a generic description; it points to a specific individual, likely David himself, highlighting his humble and afflicted state as a concrete example for others to witness God's faithfulness.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David, reflecting on his past distress and miraculous escape from the Philistine king Achish, uses his own experience as an example for others. He transitions from his personal testimony of God's deliverance to an invitation for all the afflicted to trust in the Lord. This verse points to David himself as the "poor man" whose cry God heard and answered, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness for all who call upon Him.
When David writes 'this poor man,' are we talking about him, or someone else? The Bible has a surprising answer that includes you.
In Psalm 34:6, David uses the phrase 'this poor man.' While the context points to David himself in a specific moment of distress (likely when he was fleeing from Achish, King of Gath, as the psalm's header suggests), the commentary reveals something powerful.
A Personal Example, A Universal Truth
Many scholars and commentators understand David to be presenting himself as an example, not just a unique case. The use of 'this' (referring to himself) is meant to highlight a specific instance of God's faithfulness. But the lesson is for everyone.
When David says 'this poor man,' he's inviting us to see ourselves in his shoes. It's not just about 'poor' in terms of money, but 'poor' in spirit – those who feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, and utterly dependent on God. This verse isn't just David's story; it's a template for how God interacts with all who are humble and in need.
God 'hears' more than just sounds. What does it mean for God to truly hear and respond to our cries?
The verse states, 'the LORD heard him and saved him.' This isn't just a passive acknowledgment; it's an active intervention.
Beyond Just Listening
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Understand the original words
ani · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A term often referring to the physically impoverished, but in the Psalms, it frequently denotes those who are humble, oppressed, or helpless, who recognize their total dependence upon God.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel (Yahweh), who reveals Himself through His redemptive actions.
yasha · Hebrew Verb
To be delivered, rescued, or set free from danger, distress, or judgment; biblically, it emphasizes God’s initiative in bringing His people into a state of safety and relationship with Himself.
The phrase 'this poor man' refers directly to David himself, highlighting his desperate situation in the court of Achish and emphasizing that God heard and rescued him from his profound distress.
c. 1000 BC
David flees Saul, seeks refuge with Philistines
David, a fugitive from King Saul's persecution, seeks refuge in the Philistine city of Gath, the home of his giant enemy Goliath. This desperate act places him in extreme danger.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David feigns madness before Achish
Fearing exposure and execution by King Achish of Gath, David pretends to be insane, acting erratically to deceive the Philistine king. This deception allows him to escape immediate peril.
c. 1000 BC
David escapes Gath
Having successfully deceived Achish and his court, David is allowed to leave Gath. He flees to the cave of Adullam, where he begins to gather his followers.
c. 1000 BC
Psalms 34 composed
In the immediate aftermath of his escape from Gath, David likely composes Psalm 34, reflecting on God's deliverance and praising Him for hearing his cry.
This passage describes David, the 'poor man' crying out in this Psalm, facing a desperate situation and seeking the Lord's guidance, mirroring the trust and reliance on God highlighted in Psalm 34:6.
2 Corinthians 1:8-10Paul recounts his own severe troubles and how God delivered him, echoing David's experience in Psalm 34:6 and showing the consistent pattern of God hearing His people in their distress.
Matthew 26:39Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will,' demonstrates a cry to the Father in deep trouble, leading to ultimate deliverance through obedience.
Luke 18:13The parable of the persistent widow emphasizes the importance of continually crying out to God without wavering, reinforcing the idea that the 'poor man' who cried was heard because of his persistent faith.
clarkePsalms 34:6: "This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."
This poor man cried - זה עני zeh ani, "This afflicted man," David.
pulpitPsalms 34:6: "This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."
Verse 6. - This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Almost a repetition of ver. 4, but in the third person instead of the first. The "poor man" intended is David him* self, not an ideal poor man. Otherwise the demonstrative "this" (זֶה) would not have been employed.
The phrase "this poor man" isn't just a generic description; it points to a specific individual, likely David himself, highlighting his humble and afflicted state as a concrete example for others to witness God's faithfulness.
David, reflecting on his past distress and miraculous escape from the Philistine king Achish, uses his own experience as an example for others. He transitions from his personal testimony of God's deliverance to an invitation for all the afflicted to trust in the Lord. This verse points to David himself as the "poor man" whose cry God heard and answered, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness for all who call upon Him.
David, reflecting on his past distress and miraculous escape from the Philistine king Achish, uses his own experience as an example for others. He transitions from his personal testimony of God's deliverance to an invitation for all the afflicted to trust in the Lord. This verse points to David himself as the "poor man" whose cry God heard and answered, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness for all who call upon Him.
"This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles." — The phrase "this poor man" isn't just a generic description; it points to a specific individual, likely David himself, highlighting his humble and afflicted state as a concrete example for others to…
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Last reviewed October 2026