Psalms 102:1

Authorized King James Version

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְ֭הוָה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
שִׁמְעָ֣ה
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
תְפִלָּתִ֑י
A Prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#4
וְ֝שַׁוְעָתִ֗י
and let my cry
a hallooing
#5
אֵלֶ֥יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
תָבֽוֹא׃
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection