The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.
The righteous cry. Like Israel in Egypt, they cry out under the heavy yoke of oppression, both of sin, temptation, care, and grief. And the Lord heareth; he is like the night watchman, who no sooner hears the alarm bell than he flies to relieve those who need him. And delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Humble penitents are objects of God's special tender regard (Psa 51:19; Isa 57:15).
The face of the Lord turns against evildoers and overwhelms them with the power of destruction until no trace of their earthly existence remains. But to the brokenhearted, those whose self-loving life is shattered at the root and subdued by grievous experiences that lead to true repentance, the Lord draws near and preserves them.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 34:16-21