Psalms 119:58
I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
Original Language Analysis
חִלִּ֣יתִי
I intreated
H2470
חִלִּ֣יתִי
I intreated
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
פָנֶ֣יךָ
thy favour
H6440
פָנֶ֣יךָ
thy favour
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בְכָל
H3605
בְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֵ֑ב
with my whole heart
H3820
לֵ֑ב
with my whole heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 6
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Psalms 119:41Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Psalms 119:170Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.Psalms 119:10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.Psalms 4:6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.Psalms 27:8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.1 Kings 13:6And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
Historical Context
Seeking God's face was central to covenant relationship. The Aaronic blessing pronounced God's face shining upon Israel (Numbers 6:25). Conversely, God hiding His face signified judgment (Deuteronomy 31:17). The temple represented God's dwelling where His face could be sought, making exile devastating—separated from God's manifest presence. Yet this verse affirms that God's word remains accessible even when His temple is distant.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your prayers primarily seek God's face (His presence) or merely His hand (His blessings)?
- What might 'wholehearted' prayer look like practically—how can you eliminate distraction and half-heartedness?
- How does grounding prayer in God's promises ('according to thy word') provide confidence without presumption?
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Analysis & Commentary
I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. The verb intreated (חִלִּיתִי, chilliti) means 'sought earnestly' or 'implored,' carrying intensity and urgency. Thy favour (פָּנֶיךָ, panekha)—literally 'thy face'—suggests seeking God's presence, not merely His gifts. Moses prayed similarly: 'Show me your glory' (Exodus 33:18).
With my whole heart (בְּכָל־לֵב, bekhol-lev) emphasizes undivided devotion—the same wholehearted commitment required in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5). The petition be merciful unto me according to thy word grounds the request in God's revealed promises, not human merit. This anticipates Hebrews 4:16: 'Let us come boldly to the throne of grace.'