Psalms 54:2
Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
Original Language Analysis
אֱ֭לֹהִים
O God
H430
אֱ֭לֹהִים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 6
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
שְׁמַ֣ע
Hear
H8085
שְׁמַ֣ע
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תְּפִלָּתִ֑י
my prayer
H8605
תְּפִלָּתִ֑י
my prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
3 of 6
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
Historical Context
Written when the Ziphites betrayed David's location to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19-20), this psalm arises from specific, documented danger. David's prayer was not theoretical but desperately practical.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do we need assurance that God 'hears' in times of crisis?
- What is the relationship between believing God hears and praying with confidence?
Analysis & Commentary
The plea: 'Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.' The parallelism emphasizes urgency: 'hear,' 'give ear.' David asks God to attend carefully to his words. In crisis, we need assurance that God is listening, not distant or disinterested.