Psalms 28:2

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

Hear {H8085} the voice {H6963} of my supplications {H8469}, when I cry {H7768} unto thee, when I lift up {H5375} my hands {H3027} toward thy holy {H6944} oracle {H1687}.

Hear the sound of my prayers when I cry to you, when I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, When I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

Psalm 28:2 is a passionate plea from David, likely facing severe distress or opposition, as he earnestly seeks God's attention and intervention. This verse captures the heart of a worshipper who knows where to turn in times of trouble: directly to the divine presence.

Context

Psalm 28 is a psalm of David, a fervent prayer for deliverance from the wicked and a plea for justice. It begins with David crying out to God, fearing that if God remains silent, he will be like those who go down to the pit (Psalm 28:1). This verse (28:2) underscores his desperate need for God to hear and respond, contrasting sharply with the silence he dreads. The psalm shifts from supplication to a declaration of trust and then to a blessing, reflecting a journey of faith in the midst of adversity.

Key Themes

  • Earnest Prayer and Supplication: The repetition of "Hear the voice of my supplications" and "when I cry unto thee" emphasizes the intensity and urgency of David's prayer. It highlights the believer's absolute reliance on God to listen and act. This mirrors the instruction to present requests to God with supplication and thanksgiving.
  • Worshipful Posture: "When I lift up my hands" is a traditional posture of prayer and worship, signifying surrender, reverence, and expectation. It’s a physical expression of a heart reaching out to God, often seen throughout Scripture as a sign of sincere devotion (Psalm 63:4, 1 Timothy 2:8).
  • Seeking God's Direct Presence: Directing his prayer "toward thy holy oracle" indicates David's understanding that true help comes from the very presence of God. The "holy oracle" refers to the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle or Temple, where God's presence was uniquely manifested above the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22). It signifies seeking God at the very source of His power and authority.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "supplications" is taḥănūnay (תַּחֲנוּנָ֑י), which conveys a plea for grace or favor, often from a position of need and humility. It's not a demand but a humble request for mercy. The term "holy oracle" translates from the Hebrew dəvîr (דְּבִיר), which specifically denotes the inner sanctuary or Holy of Holies of the Temple. This highlights that David was not just praying generally, but directing his prayer to the most sacred and direct point of God's manifest presence on earth, emphasizing the profound intimacy and reverence in his plea.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers today to approach God with the same earnestness and confidence. Regardless of our circumstances, we are invited to bring our "supplications" to God, knowing that He hears. Though we no longer have a physical "holy oracle" in the Temple, believers now have direct access to God's presence through Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest. We are encouraged to come boldly unto the throne of grace, where we can obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Our prayers should be characterized by sincerity, humility, and faith in God's willingness to hear and respond.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 138:2

    I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

  • Psalms 141:2

    Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice.

  • 1 Timothy 2:8

    I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

  • Psalms 140:6

    I said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

  • Psalms 5:7

    ¶ But as for me, I will come [into] thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

  • Psalms 134:2

    Lift up your hands [in] the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.

  • Daniel 6:10

    Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

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