◄ Psalm 140:6 ►
I say to the LORD, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.
Study Bible
I say to the LORD
This phrase begins with a personal declaration, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the psalmist and God. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. This invocation reflects a deep trust and reliance on God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority and protector. Historically, this personal address to God underscores the psalmist's confidence in God's willingness to listen and respond to His people.

You are my God
This statement is a profound confession of faith and allegiance. The Hebrew word for "God" is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power. By declaring "You are my God," the psalmist is not only affirming his personal relationship with God but also recognizing His supreme power and sovereignty. This phrase reflects the exclusivity of worship and devotion that is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

Hear, O LORD
The plea for God to "hear" is a common motif in the Psalms, expressing a deep yearning for divine attention and intervention. The Hebrew verb "shama" means to listen or give heed, indicating the psalmist's urgent request for God's attentive response. This appeal is rooted in the understanding that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in the lives of His people. The repetition of "LORD" reinforces the psalmist's reliance on God's covenant faithfulness.

my cry for help
The phrase "my cry for help" conveys a sense of desperation and urgency. The Hebrew word "shavah" implies a loud call or shout, often used in contexts of distress or danger. This cry is not just a casual request but a fervent plea for deliverance. In the historical context of the Psalms, such cries were often made in the face of enemies or overwhelming circumstances, reflecting the psalmist's belief that God is a refuge and source of salvation in times of trouble.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing his reliance on God amidst adversity. Known as a man after God's own heart, David often turned to God in times of trouble.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. David addresses God directly, showcasing a personal relationship.

3. Enemies
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 140 involves David seeking deliverance from violent and wicked men, highlighting the adversarial backdrop of his plea.

4. Cry for Help
This event signifies a moment of desperation and trust, where David calls upon God to intervene in his circumstances.

5. Prayer
The act of communicating with God, which is central to this verse, as David petitions God for assistance.
Teaching Points
Dependence on God
David's declaration, "You are my God," reflects a personal and exclusive reliance on God. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a similar personal relationship with God, acknowledging Him as their sole source of help and strength.

The Power of Prayer
David's cry for help underscores the importance of prayer as a means of seeking God's intervention. Christians are reminded to bring their concerns to God, trusting in His ability to respond.

Faith in Adversity
Despite facing enemies, David's faith remains steadfast. This teaches believers to maintain their faith and trust in God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

God's Faithfulness
By addressing God as "my God," David affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Believers can find assurance in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's declaration, "You are my God," challenge us to evaluate our personal relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we incorporate David's example of crying out to God in our own prayer lives, especially during times of trouble?

3. How does understanding the context of David's adversaries enhance our appreciation of his trust in God?

4. What other biblical figures demonstrate a similar reliance on God in difficult circumstances, and what can we learn from their examples?

5. How can the assurance of God's faithfulness, as seen in this verse, impact our daily walk with Him and our response to life's challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18:6
This verse also depicts David calling upon the Lord in distress, emphasizing the consistency of his reliance on God throughout his life.

Psalm 86:7
David expresses confidence that God will answer him in the day of trouble, reinforcing the theme of trust in divine intervention.

Philippians 4:6-7
Paul encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards hearts and minds, which aligns with David's approach to seeking God's help.
Sermons
The Rest of Personally Appropriating GodR. Tuck Psalm 140:6
God Preserves His ServantPsalm 140:1-13
Our Adversary and Our DefenseS. Conway Psalm 140:1-13
The Holy WarC. Short Psalm 140:1-13
David's Five-Stringed HarpPsalm 140:6-7
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Cry, Ear, Listen, Mercy, O, Petitions, Prayer, Supplications, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 140:5

     5342   hunting
     5425   net
     5507   rope and cord
     5589   trap
     8666   praise, manner and methods
     8805   pride, results

Library
Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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