Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Hear my cry for mercyThe phrase "Hear my cry for mercy" is a heartfelt plea from the psalmist, David, to God. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just listening but also responding. This indicates David's deep trust that God is not only aware of his situation but is also willing to act. The word "cry" suggests a sense of urgency and desperation, reflecting a situation where human help is insufficient, and divine intervention is necessary. "Mercy" in Hebrew is "רַחֲמִים" (rachamim), which conveys compassion and loving-kindness. This plea underscores the psalmist's recognition of his own unworthiness and his reliance on God's grace. when I call to You for help as I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing a personal plea for God's intervention and mercy. 2. God The recipient of David's prayer, God is portrayed as the source of mercy and help. 3. Holy Sanctuary Refers to the temple or the dwelling place of God, symbolizing His presence and holiness. Teaching Points The Posture of PrayerLifting hands is a biblical gesture of surrender and earnest prayer. It signifies openness and a desire for God's intervention. Seeking God's Mercy The psalm emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy, recognizing our dependence on His grace. The Sanctuary as a Symbol The holy sanctuary represents God's presence. In the New Testament context, believers are encouraged to approach God directly through Christ. Persistent Prayer David's cry for help teaches the value of persistence in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds. God's Readiness to Hear This verse reassures believers that God is attentive to our cries and ready to extend His mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the act of lifting hands in prayer enhance your personal prayer life, and what does it symbolize for you?2. In what ways can you incorporate the concept of God's holy sanctuary into your daily worship and prayer practices? 3. Reflect on a time when you sought God's mercy in a difficult situation. How did this experience shape your understanding of His grace? 4. How can the connection between Psalm 28:2 and Hebrews 4:16 encourage you to approach God with confidence in your prayers? 5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your prayers are persistent and aligned with seeking God's will and mercy? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 141:2This verse also speaks of lifting hands in prayer, symbolizing a gesture of supplication and worship. 1 Kings 8:28-30 Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple echoes the plea for God to hear prayers directed toward His holy place. Hebrews 4:16 Encourages believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, seeking mercy and help in times of need.
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Cry, Crying, Ear, Hands, Holiness, Holy, Lift, Lifted, Lifting, Mercy, Oracle, Petitions, Prayer, Sanctuary, Supplication, Supplications, Towards, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 28:2 5230 beggars Library Exegetic. (i) As of the De Spiritu Sancto, so of the Hexæmeron, no further account need be given here. It may, however, be noted that the Ninth Homily ends abruptly, and the latter, and apparently more important, portion of the subject is treated of at less length than the former. Jerome [472] and Cassiodorus [473] speak of nine homilies only on the creation. Socrates [474] says the Hexæmeron was completed by Gregory of Nyssa. Three orations are published among Basil's works, two on the creation … Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works Christ is All The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God Religion Pleasant to the Religious. Psalms Links Psalm 28:2 NIVPsalm 28:2 NLT Psalm 28:2 ESV Psalm 28:2 NASB Psalm 28:2 KJV Psalm 28:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |