Psalms 5:2

Authorized King James Version

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Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

Original Language Analysis

הַקְשִׁ֤יבָה׀ Hearken H7181
הַקְשִׁ֤יבָה׀ Hearken
Strong's: H7181
Word #: 1 of 8
to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken
לְק֬וֹל unto the voice H6963
לְק֬וֹל unto the voice
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 2 of 8
a voice or sound
שַׁוְעִ֗י of my cry H7773
שַׁוְעִ֗י of my cry
Strong's: H7773
Word #: 3 of 8
a halloo
מַלְכִּ֥י my King H4428
מַלְכִּ֥י my King
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 4 of 8
a king
וֵאלֹהָ֑י and my God H430
וֵאלֹהָ֑י and my God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵ֝לֶ֗יךָ H413
אֵ֝לֶ֗יךָ
Strong's: H413
Word #: 7 of 8
near, with or among; often in general, to
אֶתְפַּלָּֽל׃ for unto thee will I pray H6419
אֶתְפַּלָּֽל׃ for unto thee will I pray
Strong's: H6419
Word #: 8 of 8
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

Analysis & Commentary

David's prayer acknowledges God's dual role as King and personal God. 'My King' (Hebrew 'malki') emphasizes God's sovereign authority and ruling power, while 'my God' (Hebrew 'Elohai') speaks to intimate covenant relationship. This combination reflects the full biblical understanding of God - transcendent yet immanent, sovereign yet personal. The vow 'unto thee will I pray' demonstrates exclusive devotion: David will not turn to idols or human help but to Yahweh alone. Prayer is covenant privilege and responsibility.

Historical Context

Morning prayers were central to Jewish devotional life. David's addressing God as both King and personal deity reflects Israel's unique theology - unlike pagan nations who separated cosmic deities from personal household gods. This unified vision of God as both sovereign Creator and covenant Father anticipates the New Testament revelation of God as our Abba Father.

Questions for Reflection