Psalms 38:15
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֣ה
For in thee O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
For in thee O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
תַ֝עֲנֶ֗ה
thou wilt hear
H6030
תַ֝עֲנֶ֗ה
thou wilt hear
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Historical Context
This verse forms the theological hinge: everything before describes David's suffering; everything after flows from this hope. Ancient near eastern worship often involved 'name theology'—invoking specific divine names/titles to appeal to corresponding attributes. David carefully selects names emphasizing covenant faithfulness, sovereignty, and personal relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does David's three-fold address (YHWH, Adonai, Elohay) model comprehensive trust in God's character, power, and love?
- When you're tempted to defend yourself, how might shifting focus to 'in thee do I hope' change your response?
- What does it mean to 'hope in the LORD' when current circumstances show no evidence of His hearing?
Analysis & Commentary
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. The psalm's theological core: David's hope (יָחַל, yachal, wait expectantly) rests in LORD (יהוה, YHWH, covenant name). He trusts: thou wilt hear (תַּעֲנֶה, ta'aneh, answer/respond), addressing God as Lord my God (אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהָי, Adonai Elohay, sovereign + personal God).
The triple divine address—YHWH (covenant), Adonai (sovereign), Elohay (my God)—appeals to God's character, power, and relationship. David's silence before men (vv.13-14) springs from speech toward God. Yachal implies patient, confident waiting—not passive but expectant. Though currently unanswered (vv.1-14), David affirms God will hear—faith's certainty about God's future action.