Psalms 130:2
Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְעָ֪ה
hear
H8085
שִׁמְעָ֪ה
hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תִּהְיֶ֣ינָה
H1961
תִּהְיֶ֣ינָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 6:40Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.Isaiah 37:17Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.Nehemiah 1:6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.Nehemiah 1:11O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.Psalms 28:2Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.Psalms 140:6I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.Psalms 64:1Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.Psalms 17:1Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Historical Context
The plea for God to hear appears throughout psalms (5:1-2; 17:1; 39:12; 55:1-2; 61:1; 64:1; 102:1; 143:1), establishing pattern of bold prayer. Biblical theology affirms God hears His people's cries (Exodus 2:24; 3:7; 1 Kings 9:3), making such appeals appropriate based on covenant relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- What gives believers confidence to ask God to 'hear' and 'be attentive' as if commanding Him?
- How does the double reference to 'voice' emphasize verbal, articulated prayer?
- What is the difference between God hearing and God being 'attentive' to prayer?
- How do 'supplications' differ from other forms of prayer (praise, thanksgiving, confession)?
- Why is it significant that the psalmist prays 'my voice' and 'my supplications' - how does prayer become personal?
Analysis & Commentary
The cry continues with plea for divine attention: 'LORD, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.' The double reference to 'voice' emphasizes verbal prayer - words spoken in desperation. The imperative 'hear' (Hebrew 'shama') means to listen with intent to respond, not merely perceive sound. The phrase 'let thine ears be attentive' personalizes God anthropomorphically - giving Him ears suggests He actively listens. 'Attentive' (Hebrew 'qashab') means to prick up ears, pay close attention, be alert. The description 'voice of my supplications' specifies the prayer type - not praise or thanksgiving but petitions for mercy and help. Supplications (Hebrew 'tachanunim') come from root meaning to show favor or be gracious. The verse demonstrates bold prayer - asking God to listen carefully, not casually. Faith enables direct appeal for divine attention.