Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. Evening, morning, and noonThis phrase emphasizes the continual and persistent nature of prayer. In the Hebrew context, the day was divided into these three parts, reflecting a rhythm of life centered around communion with God. The psalmist, David, underscores the importance of regular prayer, suggesting that communication with God should be as natural and necessary as the cycles of the day. Historically, this practice of praying at set times was common in Jewish tradition, as seen in Daniel 6:10, where Daniel prays three times a day. This regularity in prayer life is a call for believers to maintain a constant connection with God, regardless of the time or circumstances. I cry out in distress
The Hebrew root for "cry out" conveys a sense of deep emotional expression, often associated with a plea for help or deliverance. This phrase captures the raw, honest communication that David has with God. It is a reminder that God invites us to bring our burdens and anxieties to Him, no matter how overwhelming they may seem. The historical context of David's life, filled with trials and adversities, provides a backdrop for understanding the depth of his distress. This encourages believers to approach God with sincerity and vulnerability, trusting that He hears and understands our deepest needs. and He hears my voice
This assurance of being heard is central to the psalmist's faith. The Hebrew concept of "hearing" goes beyond mere auditory reception; it implies attention, understanding, and response. David's confidence that God hears his voice reflects a deep trust in God's faithfulness and His willingness to engage with His people. Scripturally, this echoes the promise found throughout the Bible that God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous (e.g., Psalm 34:15). For believers, this is a powerful reminder that our prayers are not in vain; God is actively listening and ready to respond according to His perfect will. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his distress and reliance on God through prayer. 2. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's life and his experiences often relate back to Jerusalem, the city of David. 3. EnemiesThe broader context of Psalm 55 involves David's lament over betrayal and the presence of enemies, which drives him to constant prayer. Teaching Points The Discipline of PrayerDavid's commitment to praying "evening, morning, and noon" highlights the importance of establishing a disciplined prayer life. Regular prayer times can help maintain a close relationship with God. God Hears Our CriesThe assurance that "He will hear my voice" provides comfort and encouragement that God is attentive to our prayers, regardless of the time or situation. Prayer as a Response to DistressIn times of trouble, like David, we should turn to God in prayer. This practice not only seeks divine intervention but also brings peace and clarity to our hearts. Consistency in PrayerThe regularity of David's prayer life serves as a model for believers to maintain consistency in their communication with God, fostering spiritual growth and resilience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's practice of praying at specific times of the day challenge or inspire your current prayer habits? 2. In what ways can you incorporate a more disciplined prayer routine into your daily life, similar to David's example? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt God heard your prayers. How did that experience impact your faith? 4. How can the practice of consistent prayer help you deal with feelings of betrayal or distress, as David experienced? 5. What other biblical figures demonstrate a strong commitment to prayer, and what can you learn from their examples to apply in your own life? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 6:10Daniel's practice of praying three times a day mirrors David's commitment to prayer in Psalm 55:17, demonstrating a consistent and disciplined prayer life. 1 Thessalonians 5:17Paul’s exhortation to "pray without ceasing" aligns with the idea of continual prayer expressed in Psalm 55:17. Philippians 4:6-7Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer and petition, promising peace, which resonates with David's assurance that God hears his voice. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Aloud, Complain, Complaint, Cry, Distress, Ears, Evening, Grief, Heareth, Hears, Meditate, Middle, Moan, Morning, Murmur, Noise, Noon, Noonday, Prayer, Sounds, Utter, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 55:17 4933 evening
4954 morning
5196 voice
8438 giving, of time
8618 prayerfulness
8620 prayer, practicalities
8653 importunity, to God Psalm 55:16-17 4960 noon Psalm 55:16-18 8486 spiritual warfare, armour 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 55:17 NIVPsalm 55:17 NLTPsalm 55:17 ESVPsalm 55:17 NASBPsalm 55:17 KJV
Psalm 55:17 Commentaries
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