Psalms 141:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 141:1
1 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
Chapter Context
Psalms 141 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, mercy, prayer. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 141:1
1 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
Analysis
LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. This evening prayer opens with urgent petition, the psalmist crying to God for swift intervention. "LORD, I cry unto thee" (יְהוָה קְרָאתִיךָ/Yahweh qeratikha) addresses Yahweh by covenant name, appealing to relationship rather than general deity. Qara means to call, proclaim, or summon—persistent, vocal prayer, not silent contemplation.
"Make haste unto me" (חוּשָׁה לִּי/chushah li) pleads for divine speed. Chush denotes hurrying, hastening—the psalmist's need is urgent. This bold request assumes God's willingness to help; the question is timing. Similar language appears in Psalms 22:19, 38:22, 40:13, 70:1, 71:12—believers crying for God to intervene quickly amid distress.
"Give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee" (הַאֲזִינָה קוֹלִי בְּקָרְאִי־לָךְ/ha'azinah qoli beqori-lakh) intensifies the plea. "Give ear" (הַאֲזִינָה/ha'azinah) means to listen attentively, turn the ear toward. The psalmist asks God to lean in, to attend carefully to his voice. The repetition of "cry" frames the verse, emphasizing vocal, persistent prayer as appropriate response to danger or need.
Historical Context
Psalm 141 is a Davidic psalm, likely composed during persecution (fleeing Saul or Absalom's rebellion). Its designation as an evening prayer (verse 2 compares prayer to evening sacrifice) suggests liturgical use during the evening offering at the temple. After the temple's destruction (586 BC), Jewish tradition associated evening prayer (Ma'ariv) with this psalm. Early Christians likewise practiced fixed prayer hours, and Psalm 141 became part of evening vespers in Christian liturgy.
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'cry' to God rather than simply pray—how might urgent, vocal prayer differ from quiet, contemplative prayer?
- Is it appropriate to ask God to 'make haste'—what does this reveal about the psalmist's understanding of God's character and relationship?
- How can you cultivate the discipline of regular evening prayer, bringing the day's concerns to God before sleep?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 22:19, 40:13, 70:5, 143:1, 143:7
- Parallel theme: Psalms 71:12