For the Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners. (Psalm 69:33)
Though the world may see the poor as helpless, in God’s eyes this is not so. In fact, they have access to something far valuable that any rich man’s gold. Though they lack in material wealth, their so-called affliction endears them to the Creator; as David says, “the Lord hears the poor.” Not only does He hear the poor, He is quick to attend to their needs, especially working through others. As it is written, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord” (Proverbs 19:17). This being so, why does David refer to God having prisoners?
When speaking of the importance of humility and servitude, Yeshua said, “Those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them” (Mark 10:42). This need to lord over others is especially true when it comes to how the nations rule over those subjected to their power, and even more so when the nations have opportunity to oppress God’s people. In reality, however, God’s people are not really subjected to them, but to God. As Yeshua told Pilate, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11).
In other words, in spite of appearances, if God’s people are imprisoned by anyone, they are imprisoned to God and His Will. This is evidenced by the fact that He could release them at any moment. As Yeshua said when the multitudes came to take Him away to trial, “Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53).
No doubt Paul and others had this understanding which is why they often referred to themselves as servants (sometimes translated, slaves) of Yeshua the Messiah. The difference in being enslaved to the nations as opposed to being a slave to God is the nations hold their prisoners in contempt; God views His prisoners as someone to be cared for. As David said, God does not despise His prisoners but will graciously hearken to their prayers and petitions.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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