Psalm 17:6

I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

Study Bible

I call on You, O God
This phrase begins with a personal and direct appeal to God, emphasizing the psalmist's relationship with the divine. The Hebrew word for "call" is "קָרָא" (qara), which implies a vocal and earnest plea. This reflects the psalmist's confidence in God's ability to hear and respond. Historically, calling upon God was a common practice in ancient Israel, signifying trust and reliance on God's power and presence.

for You will answer me
The assurance in this phrase is profound. The Hebrew root "עָנָה" (anah) means to respond or reply. The psalmist expresses unwavering faith that God will indeed answer. This confidence is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God is seen as a responsive and attentive deity. It reflects a deep-seated belief in God's faithfulness and reliability.

incline Your ear to me
Here, the psalmist uses a metaphorical expression to request God's attentive listening. The phrase "incline Your ear" suggests a bending down or leaning in, which in Hebrew is "הַטֵּה" (hatteh). This imagery portrays God as being intimately involved and concerned with the psalmist's plight. It is a plea for God's focused attention, highlighting the personal nature of the relationship between the psalmist and God.

and hear my words
The final phrase emphasizes the desire for God to listen to the specific words of the psalmist. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to listen with intent and understanding. This is not just about auditory reception but involves comprehension and consideration. The psalmist seeks not just to be heard but to be understood and acknowledged by God, reinforcing the depth of communication and connection sought in prayer.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this Psalm, David is expressing his trust in God’s responsiveness to his prayers. He is often seen as a model of faith and reliance on God throughout the Psalms.

2. God
The central figure to whom David directs his prayer. God is portrayed as attentive and responsive to the cries of His people.

3. Prayer
The act of calling upon God, which is a central theme in this verse. It highlights the relationship between the believer and God.

Teaching Points

Confidence in Prayer
David’s assurance that God will answer encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He listens and responds.

God’s Attentiveness
The imagery of God inclining His ear suggests a personal and intimate attentiveness. Believers can trust that God is not distant but actively engaged in their lives.

Persistent Prayer
David’s example teaches the importance of persistence in prayer. Believers are encouraged to continually seek God, trusting in His timing and wisdom.

Faith in God’s Character
The verse underscores the importance of faith in God’s unchanging character. Believers can rely on His faithfulness and love.

Practical Dependence on God
This verse invites believers to make prayer a practical and regular part of their lives, relying on God for guidance, strength, and support.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David’s confidence in God’s response to his prayers challenge or encourage your own prayer life?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of God’s attentiveness in your daily life?

3. How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 34:15, 1 John 5:14-15, Jeremiah 29:12) reinforce the message of Psalm 17:6?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to make prayer a more consistent and meaningful part of your daily routine?

5. How does understanding God’s character as attentive and responsive impact your trust in Him during difficult times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 34:15
This verse speaks of the Lord's eyes being on the righteous and His ears attentive to their cry, reinforcing the idea of God’s responsiveness to prayer.

1 John 5:14-15
These verses assure believers that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, echoing the confidence David expresses in Psalm 17:6.

Jeremiah 29:12
This verse encourages believers to call upon God and promises that He will listen, similar to David’s assurance in this Psalm.