Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea. Listen to my prayerThe Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which conveys not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. In the context of ancient Israel, prayer was a deeply personal and communal act, a direct line of communication with God. The psalmist is not merely asking God to hear the words but to engage with the heart behind them. This plea reflects a profound trust in God's ability to comprehend and act upon the needs of His people. The act of prayer is a testament to the relationship between the believer and the divine, emphasizing that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His followers. O God
The term "God" here is translated from the Hebrew "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God is used throughout the Old Testament to emphasize His sovereignty and authority over all creation. By addressing God with this title, the psalmist acknowledges His supreme power and the belief that He is capable of intervening in human affairs. It is a recognition of God's omnipotence and a declaration of faith in His ability to provide deliverance and support. do not ignore
The phrase "do not ignore" comes from the Hebrew "אַל־תִּתְעַלַּם" (al-tithalam), which means to not be silent or indifferent. The psalmist is expressing a deep yearning for God's attention and action. In the cultural and historical context of the psalm, silence from God could be perceived as abandonment or judgment. Thus, this plea is a heartfelt request for God's active presence and intervention. It underscores the human need for assurance that God is attentive and responsive to the cries of His people. my plea for help
The word "plea" is derived from the Hebrew "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), which signifies a supplication or earnest request for grace and mercy. This term is often used in the context of seeking favor or intervention from someone in a position of power. The psalmist's plea is not just for any help but for divine assistance that only God can provide. It reflects a dependence on God's mercy and a recognition of human limitations. The historical context of the psalms often involves situations of distress, persecution, or personal turmoil, making this plea a universal cry for divine aid in times of trouble. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his deep distress and seeking God's intervention. 2. GodThe recipient of David's prayer, highlighting the personal relationship and trust David places in God. 3. EnemiesThough not explicitly mentioned in verse 1, the context of the psalm involves adversaries causing David distress. 4. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the setting of many of David's psalms, including this one, is often Jerusalem, the city of David. 5. PrayerThe act of communicating with God, which is central to this verse as David seeks divine attention and mercy. Teaching Points The Importance of PrayerDavid's immediate response to distress is to pray. This teaches us the importance of turning to God first in our times of need. God's AttentivenessThe plea for God not to ignore his prayer reflects a belief in God's attentiveness and willingness to listen, encouraging us to trust in God's responsiveness. Seeking MercyDavid's request for mercy highlights the need for humility and recognition of our dependence on God's grace. Expressing Emotions to GodDavid's candid expression of his feelings demonstrates that we can bring our raw emotions and concerns to God in prayer. Faith in God's DeliveranceThe underlying faith in God's ability to deliver and provide relief is a reminder to maintain hope and trust in God's power and timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's approach to prayer in Psalm 55:1 inspire you to communicate with God in your own life? 2. In what ways can you relate to David's plea for mercy, and how does this shape your understanding of God's character? 3. How do the additional scriptures connected to Psalm 55:1 reinforce the importance of prayer in the life of a believer? 4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that prayer becomes your first response in times of distress? 5. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's attentiveness and willingness to listen to your prayers, as demonstrated by David in this psalm? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 4:1Similar to Psalm 55:1, David calls upon God to hear his prayer, emphasizing the theme of seeking divine attention in times of distress. Philippians 4:6-7Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer, paralleling David's approach in Psalm 55:1. 1 Peter 5:7Invites believers to cast their anxieties on God, reflecting David's plea for mercy and divine intervention. Hebrews 4:16Encourages approaching God's throne of grace with confidence, similar to David's bold request for God to listen. Matthew 11:28Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him, echoing David's seeking of relief and mercy from God. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Chief, 55, Choirmaster, Contemplation, David, Ear, Gt, Hearing, Hide, Ignore, Instruction, Instruments, Leader, Listen, Lt, Maschil, Maskil, Music, Musician, Music-maker, Neginoth, O, Overseer, Plea, Prayer, Psalm, Request, Shut, Stringed, String-music, Supplication, ThyselfDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55: 5420 music
5421 musical instruments Psalm 55:1-2 8653 importunity, to God Library July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps. …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux 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 Links Psalm 55:1 NIVPsalm 55:1 NLTPsalm 55:1 ESVPsalm 55:1 NASBPsalm 55:1 KJV
Psalm 55:1 Commentaries
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