Psalms 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 34 is a Davidic psalm written after he feigned madness before Abimelech (actually Achish, king of Gath—"Abimelech" being a royal title) and escaped (1 Samuel 21:10-15). This was one of David's lowest moments: fleeing from Saul, seeking refuge among Israel's enemies, reduced to acting insane to save his life. Yet from this desperate experience, David composed a psalm celebrating God's faithfulness and deliverance.
The historical context enriches verse 15's meaning. David had experienced God's watchful care when all human help failed. His testimony wasn't theoretical theology but lived reality. When he cried out in genuine need, God heard and delivered. This psalm became part of Israel's worship, teaching generations that God cares for His covenant people.
Peter quotes this verse in 1 Peter 3:12, applying it to believers suffering persecution. The early church, facing imperial hostility, found comfort in knowing God's eyes remained upon them and His ears open to their cries—the same assurance that sustained David centuries earlier.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God's eyes are constantly upon you affect your daily decisions and behavior?
- What does it mean to be "righteous" in God's sight, and how does this relate to Christ's imputed righteousness?
- In what specific situations should this promise encourage you to cry out to God rather than relying on human solutions?
- How can you cultivate deeper confidence in prayer knowing God's ears are truly open to your cry?
- What does this verse teach about God's character that contrasts with deistic views of a distant, uninvolved Creator?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. This beautiful verse reveals God's intimate, personal attention to those who belong to Him. The Hebrew word for "eyes" (einayim, עֵינַיִם) combined with "upon" (el, אֶל) conveys continuous, focused watchfulness—not distant observation but caring oversight. The LORD (YHWH, יהוה) uses His covenant name, emphasizing His faithful relationship with His people.
"The righteous" (tsaddiqim, צַדִּיקִים) refers not to those perfect in themselves, but to those declared righteous through faith and covenant relationship with God. This righteousness is both positional (imputed) and practical (lived out in obedience). The parallelism continues with "his ears are open" (aznav, אָזְנָיו), depicting God's readiness to hear. Unlike pagan idols with ears that cannot hear (Psalm 115:6), the living God actively listens.
"Their cry" (shavʿatam, שַׁוְעָתָם) denotes urgent, desperate appeal—not casual prayer but heartfelt petition in distress. This verse assures believers that God is neither distant nor indifferent. He watches, He listens, and He responds. This truth provides comfort in trials and encouragement in prayer, pointing forward to Christ, our righteousness, through whom we have bold access to the Father (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16).