Psalm 28:6

Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy.

Study Bible

Blessed be the LORD
The phrase "Blessed be the LORD" is a common expression of praise and gratitude found throughout the Psalms. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "barak," which conveys a sense of adoration and reverence. In the context of ancient Israel, blessing the LORD was an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. This phrase sets the tone for the verse, emphasizing the psalmist's deep appreciation and worship of God. Historically, this expression would have been used in communal worship settings, where the people of Israel collectively acknowledged God's faithfulness and provision.

for He has heard
The assurance that God "has heard" is central to the psalmist's confidence and relief. The Hebrew root "shama" means to hear, listen, or give attention to. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the ability of a deity to hear and respond to human petitions was a significant aspect of their perceived power and benevolence. The psalmist's declaration that God has heard him underscores the personal relationship between the believer and the divine, highlighting God's attentiveness and willingness to engage with His people.

my cry for mercy
The phrase "my cry for mercy" reflects a deep, heartfelt plea for divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "cry" is "shavah," which implies a loud call or shout for help. This is not a casual request but an urgent appeal born out of desperation. The term "mercy" is translated from the Hebrew word "chanan," which denotes grace, favor, and compassion. In the biblical narrative, God's mercy is a recurring theme, illustrating His loving-kindness and readiness to forgive and restore. The psalmist's cry for mercy is a testament to his faith in God's character as compassionate and just, a belief rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This plea also resonates with the broader scriptural context, where God's mercy is a source of hope and renewal for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing gratitude to God for hearing his plea for mercy. His life was marked by moments of deep distress and reliance on God.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. In this verse, He is praised for His responsiveness to prayer.

3. Cry for Mercy
This refers to David's earnest prayer and plea for God's intervention and compassion in his time of need.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Hearing Prayer
God is attentive to the cries of His people. Just as He heard David, He hears us today when we call upon Him in sincerity and truth.

The Importance of Praise
David's response to answered prayer is immediate praise. We should cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God's hand in our lives and responding with worship.

Confidence in God's Mercy
Understanding God's merciful nature encourages us to approach Him with our needs, trusting that He is both willing and able to respond.

The Role of Personal Experience in Faith
David's personal experience of God's deliverance strengthens his faith. Reflecting on past experiences of God's faithfulness can bolster our trust in Him during current trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the character of God as described in Exodus 34:6-7 enhance our confidence in prayer?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart of gratitude similar to David's response in Psalm 28:6?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy in your life. How did that experience impact your faith journey?

4. How can the assurance found in 1 John 5:14-15 influence the way you approach God with your requests?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that praise and thanksgiving are integral parts of your prayer life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 116:1-2
This passage also speaks of God hearing the psalmist's voice and supplications, reinforcing the theme of God's attentiveness to prayer.

1 John 5:14-15
These verses assure believers that if we ask anything according to God's will, He hears us, echoing the confidence David expresses in Psalm 28:6.

Exodus 34:6-7
This passage describes God's merciful and gracious nature, which is the foundation for David's confidence in God's response to his cry for mercy.