The people that God had blessed and caused to multiply in a fruitful land are brought low again. There numbers begin to decrease because they are oppressed. They are brought low and have affliction and sorrow.
But, God does not forget the righteous and the poor when they are oppressed. “40He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. 41Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.” (verse 41) It may seem like the oppressors are winning for a while, but God will bring them down and cause them to wander. The poor will then be raised up and set on high from affliction and will once again be made to multiply. They will have families like a flock, many children. At this time, the righteous will rejoice and those who are full of iniquity will have no more to say. “42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. 43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” (verses 42 & 43)
When we are in affliction and oppressed, we can cry unto God. He knows how to deal with those who oppress and how to care for the poor and the righteous.