Psalms 55:2
Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
Original Language Analysis
וַעֲנֵ֑נִי
unto me and hear
H6030
וַעֲנֵ֑נִי
unto me and hear
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
3 of 6
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,
אָרִ֖יד
me I mourn
H7300
אָרִ֖יד
me I mourn
Strong's:
H7300
Word #:
4 of 6
to tramp about, i.e., ramble (free or disconsolate)
Cross References
Isaiah 38:14Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.Psalms 66:19But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.Psalms 64:1Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.Psalms 43:2For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?Psalms 77:3I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.Psalms 38:6I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.Isaiah 59:11We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.
Historical Context
The Hebrew terms suggest restless, distracted wandering of mind and vocal groaning. David's prayer includes emotional honesty, not composed religious language.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is emotional honesty important in prayer?
- What does David's 'mourning and making noise' model for us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The call for attention: 'Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise.' 'Attend' and 'hear' intensify the plea for divine engagement. 'Mourn' and 'make a noise' describe the emotional turmoil--restless grief, vocal distress. David holds nothing back in expressing his agitation.