Psalms 28:2

Authorized King James Version

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁמַ֤ע
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
ק֣וֹל
the voice
a voice or sound
#3
תַּ֭חֲנוּנַי
of my supplications
earnest prayer
#4
בְּשַׁוְּעִ֣י
when I cry
properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)
#5
אֵלֶ֑יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
בְּנָשְׂאִ֥י
unto thee when I lift up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#7
יָ֝דַ֗י
my hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
דְּבִ֥יר
oracle
the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary
#10
קָדְשֶֽׁךָ׃
toward thy holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection