Psalms 55:1
Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
Original Language Analysis
הַאֲזִ֣ינָה
Give ear
H238
הַאֲזִ֣ינָה
Give ear
Strong's:
H238
Word #:
1 of 6
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
אֱ֭לֹהִים
O God
H430
אֱ֭לֹהִים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 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
תְּפִלָּתִ֑י
to my prayer
H8605
תְּפִלָּתִ֑י
to my prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
3 of 6
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 6
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
1 Peter 3:12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.Psalms 86:6Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.Psalms 61:1Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.Psalms 27:9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.Psalms 64:1Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.Psalms 84:8O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.Psalms 5:1Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.Psalms 80:4O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?Psalms 17:1Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Historical Context
This psalm addresses betrayal by a close friend, possibly during Absalom's rebellion when Ahithophel, David's counselor, joined the conspiracy. The emotional intensity reflects personal betrayal.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it feel like when God seems to 'hide himself' from our prayers?
- How do we pray through apparent divine silence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The urgent appeal: 'Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.' The fear that God might 'hide himself' reflects the felt experience of divine silence in crisis. David needs not just hearing but attentive engagement--God's active involvement rather than distant awareness.