To You, O LORD, I called
This phrase reflects the psalmist's direct appeal to God, emphasizing a personal relationship with the LORD. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and eternal nature. This calling upon the LORD is a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmist often turns to God in times of distress (e.g., Psalm 18:6, Psalm 86:7). It underscores the belief in God's responsiveness to His people's cries, a theme rooted in the history of Israel, such as when the Israelites cried out to God during their bondage in Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25).

and I begged my Lord for mercy:
The plea for mercy indicates a recognition of human frailty and the need for divine compassion. The term "my Lord" here is likely a reference to Adonai, a title that denotes God's sovereignty and authority. This appeal for mercy is not just a request for relief from physical or emotional distress but also an acknowledgment of the need for forgiveness and grace. The concept of mercy is central to the biblical narrative, as seen in God's dealings with Israel and His provision of atonement through the sacrificial system (Leviticus 16). In the New Testament, this mercy is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's mercy and offers salvation to all who call upon Him (Titus 3:5, Hebrews 4:16). The psalmist's plea reflects a deep trust in God's character as merciful and compassionate, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Psalm 103:8, Lamentations 3:22-23).

1. David
The author of Psalm 30, traditionally believed to be King David, who often called upon the Lord in times of distress and thanksgiving.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature, to whom David directs his plea.

3. The Temple
While not directly mentioned in this verse, Psalm 30 is often associated with the dedication of the temple, a place of worship and divine presence.

4. Mercy
A central theme in this verse, highlighting God's compassionate and forgiving nature.

5. Prayer
The act of calling upon the Lord, which is a significant event in the life of a believer, demonstrating dependence on God.The Importance of Prayer
David's example teaches us the necessity of turning to God in every circumstance, whether in distress or thanksgiving.

God's Mercy
Understanding that God's mercy is available to us encourages us to approach Him with confidence and humility.

Dependence on God
Recognizing our need for God's intervention in our lives fosters a deeper relationship with Him.

Consistency in Seeking God
Like David, we should consistently seek God, not only in times of trouble but as a regular part of our spiritual discipline.

Faith in God's Character
Trusting in God's unchanging nature and His promises provides peace and assurance in our prayers.Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 30

What distinguishes mercy from grace?

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Psalm 116:1-2 claims God hears prayers--why then do many prayers seem to go unanswered?

In Nahum 1:2, how can God be both loving and yet described as jealous and avenging?(8) I cried to thee.--The very words of "this utter agony of prayer" are given. But it is better to keep the futures in Psalm 30:8, instead of translating them as preterites, and make the quotation begin here. So Symmachus, "Then I said, I will cry to thee, O Lord," &c

Verse 8. -

1 cried to thee, O Lord; and unto thee I made supplication (comp. 2 Samuel 24:17; 1 Chronicles 21:17). The part of his prayer most honourable to David is not recorded by himself, but by the historians. He tells us of his secret wrestlings with God, his complaints and expostulations - his cries and pleadings as they remained in his memory; he passes over the desire to die for his people, which the historians put on record.

Parallel Commentaries ...

To You,
אֵלֶ֣יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

O LORD,
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

I called,
אֶקְרָ֑א (’eq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

and
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

I begged
אֶתְחַנָּֽן׃ (’eṯ·ḥan·nān)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

my Lord {for mercy}:
אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord


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OT Poetry: Psalm 30:8 I cried to you Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)