But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. After describing comprehensive mockery (verses 10-12), David pivots dramatically with "But as for me" (וַאֲנִי/va'ani). While enemies mock, David prays. Where others deride, David petitions. This contrast reveals the fundamental divide: enemies address their mockery to each other and to David; David addresses his supplication to Yahweh.
"My prayer is unto thee" emphasizes direction and focus. David doesn't defend himself to mockers, doesn't answer slander with slander, doesn't seek vindication through human means. His response to comprehensive rejection is comprehensive prayer. "In an acceptable time" (עֵת רָצוֹן/et ratzon) literally means "a time of favor" or "propitious time," acknowledging God's sovereignty over timing.
"In the multitude of thy mercy" (בְּרָב חַסְדֶּךָ/berav chasdekha) grounds the appeal in God's covenant love (chesed), not David's merit. "Truth of thy salvation" (אֱמֶת יִשְׁעֶךָ/emet yish'ekha) combines faithfulness and deliverance—God's reliable, faithful character guarantees He will save.
Historical Context
This verse marks a crucial turn in the psalm's structure, transitioning from lament to petition. Ancient Near Eastern lament psalms typically followed a pattern: complaint, petition, confidence in divine hearing, and often praise. This verse begins the petition section, grounding appeal in God's character and covenant faithfulness rather than human merit.
"Acceptable time" may reference liturgical language—times appointed for prayer and sacrifice. It also reflects wisdom theology recognizing divine sovereignty over historical timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).
Paul later quotes this phrase in 2 Corinthians 6:2, declaring, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation," applying it to the gospel age.
Questions for Reflection
How does turning to prayer rather than self-defense or retaliation demonstrate trust in God's justice and timing?
What does it mean practically to pray "in an acceptable time" while suffering, waiting for God's appointed moment?
How does grounding prayer in God's character (mercy, truth) rather than our worthiness change how we approach Him?
Analysis & Commentary
But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. After describing comprehensive mockery (verses 10-12), David pivots dramatically with "But as for me" (וַאֲנִי/va'ani). While enemies mock, David prays. Where others deride, David petitions. This contrast reveals the fundamental divide: enemies address their mockery to each other and to David; David addresses his supplication to Yahweh.
"My prayer is unto thee" emphasizes direction and focus. David doesn't defend himself to mockers, doesn't answer slander with slander, doesn't seek vindication through human means. His response to comprehensive rejection is comprehensive prayer. "In an acceptable time" (עֵת רָצוֹן/et ratzon) literally means "a time of favor" or "propitious time," acknowledging God's sovereignty over timing.
"In the multitude of thy mercy" (בְּרָב חַסְדֶּךָ/berav chasdekha) grounds the appeal in God's covenant love (chesed), not David's merit. "Truth of thy salvation" (אֱמֶת יִשְׁעֶךָ/emet yish'ekha) combines faithfulness and deliverance—God's reliable, faithful character guarantees He will save.