Albert Barnes Commentary


Albert Barnes Commentary
"For Jehovah heareth the needy, And despiseth not his prisoners." — Psalms 69:33 (ASV)
For the Lord heareth the poor—The needy; the humble; the unprotected. The reference is to those who are in circumstances of want and distress. The truth stated here is in accordance with all that is said in the Scriptures. Compare the notes at Psalms 34:6. See also Job 5:15; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 12:5; Psalms 35:10; Psalms 68:10.
And despiseth not his prisoners—He does not overlook them; he does not treat them as if they were worthy of no attention or regard. The word “prisoners” here may refer to those who are, as it were, bound by affliction under his own providential dealings, or to those who are oppressed, held as captives, or thrown into prison on his account. The particular reference here seems to be to David and to those associated with him, who were restricted or deprived of their freedom in the cause of God.