Psalms 34:18 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart Ready to hear and succour them; though, by the course of his providence toward them, he may sometimes seem to themselves and others to stand afar off. “God is near to all men; for in him they live: but he is near to the broken in heart, in a peculiar sense, as he is ever ready and able to help them; as men are much more capable of assisting those they value, when present with them than when absent from them; from which this form of speech, as applied to God, is taken.” Chandler. And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit Those whose spirits are truly humbled under the hand of God, and the sense of their sins, whose hearts are subdued, and made obedient to God's will, and submissive to his providence.