Psalms 84:8
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
יְה֘וָ֤ה
O LORD
H3068
יְה֘וָ֤ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
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
צְ֭בָאוֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְ֭בָאוֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
3 of 9
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
שִׁמְעָ֣ה
hear
H8085
שִׁמְעָ֣ה
hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תְפִלָּתִ֑י
my prayer
H8605
תְפִלָּתִ֑י
my prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
5 of 9
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
הַאֲזִ֨ינָה
give ear
H238
הַאֲזִ֨ינָה
give ear
Strong's:
H238
Word #:
6 of 9
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 9
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
Historical Context
The dual divine names reflect Israel's theological development. 'LORD God of hosts' (Yahweh Elohim Tseva'ot) emerges prominently during the monarchic period, especially in warfare contexts (1 Samuel 17:45, 2 Samuel 5:10). 'God of Jacob' anchors hope in the patriarchal covenant, recalling God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Together these names assure that the God who defeated foreign armies is the same God who blessed the vulnerable patriarchs and will defend their descendants.
Questions for Reflection
- How does addressing God with multiple names/titles deepen prayer—what does each title emphasize about His character and your relationship?
- What is the significance of balancing God's transcendent power ('LORD God of hosts') with His personal covenant faithfulness ('God of Jacob') in prayer?
- How can Selah pauses in our own prayers create space for listening and meditation rather than merely presenting requests?
Analysis & Commentary
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. The psalmist's plea interrupts the celebratory pilgrimage narrative with urgent petition. This shift from descriptive praise to direct address reflects the pattern of biblical prayer: recounting God's faithfulness grounds present petition. "Hear my prayer" (שִׁמְעָה תְפִלָּתִי/shim'ah tefillati) employs the imperative—a bold yet appropriate appeal based on covenant relationship.
The dual invocation—"LORD God of hosts" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים צְבָאוֹת/Yahweh Elohim Tseva'ot) and "God of Jacob" (אֱלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב/Elohei Ya'akov)—balances transcendence and intimacy. The LORD of heavenly armies, commander of all powers, is simultaneously the God who wrestled with Jacob and kept covenant with the patriarchs. This combination assures that the sovereign Lord is personally invested in His people's welfare.
"Give ear" (הַאֲזִינָה/ha'azinah) intensifies the petition—literally "turn your ear," suggesting attentive listening. "Selah" marks a pause for musical interlude and meditation. The prayer doesn't specify its content (revealed in verse 9), creating space for worshipers to insert their own petitions. This universalizes the psalm's application.