Psalms 116:2

KJV

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because he hath inclined {H5186} his ear {H241} unto me, therefore will I call {H7121} upon him as long as I live {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Berean Standard Bible

Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.

American Standard Version

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, Therefore will I callupon himas long as I live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 116:2 encapsulates the psalmist's profound and enduring commitment to prayer, a devotion born directly from a personal and transformative experience of God's attentive and responsive presence. It declares a resolute, lifelong dedication to calling upon the Lord, firmly rooted in the unwavering certainty that the Almighty God not only hears but actively inclines His ear to the cries of His people, thereby assuring the efficacy and value of persistent supplication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 116 stands as a deeply personal psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed after a significant deliverance from distress or a life-threatening situation. It immediately follows [Psalm 115](/psalms/115 "Psalm 115 - Trust in God, Not Idols"), a communal psalm of trust in God over idols, and precedes the short, universal call to praise in [Psalm 117](/psalms/117 "Psalm 117 - Universal Praise to the Lord"). Within Psalm 116 itself, verse 2 acts as a direct and logical consequence of the psalmist's declaration in [Psalms 116:1](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1 - The Psalmist's Love for the Lord"): "I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications." The subsequent verses, such as [Psalms 116:3-4](/psalms/116-3-4 "Psalm 116:3-4 - The Pains of Death and the Cry for Deliverance"), recount the "pains of hell" and "trouble and sorrow" that led to a desperate cry for divine intervention, which God graciously granted. This personal testimony of answered prayer forms the bedrock for the psalmist's unwavering commitment expressed in [Psalms 116:2](/psalms/116-2 "Psalm 116:2 - Lifelong Commitment to Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms collectively serve as the prayer book of ancient Israel, reflecting the full spectrum of human experience in relation to God. While Psalm 116 does not specify a particular historical event, it embodies the common Israelite experience of distress, supplication, and miraculous deliverance. The anthropomorphic imagery of God "inclining His ear" was a familiar concept in the ancient Near East, often used to describe a king or deity paying close, personal attention to a petitioner's plea. Such language emphasizes God's active engagement and compassionate condescension. The practice of making vows in times of trouble and fulfilling them upon deliverance was a significant aspect of Israelite piety and worship, often involving public thanksgiving and offerings at the Temple, as seen in [Jonah 2:9](/jonah/2-9 "Jonah's Vow of Thanksgiving"). This verse thus reflects a deeply ingrained cultural and religious practice of reciprocal relationship with the divine, where a demonstrated divine response elicits a human vow of enduring devotion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Attentiveness and Responsiveness**, portraying God not as a distant, indifferent deity but as one who actively listens and responds to the cries of His people, particularly those in distress. This theme is foundational to the covenant relationship, as exemplified in [Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23-25 "Exodus 2:23-25 - God Hears Israel's Groaning in Egypt"). Secondly, it underscores **Gratitude as a Catalyst for Enduring Devotion**. The psalmist's commitment to lifelong prayer is not merely a duty but a spontaneous, heartfelt response to experienced divine faithfulness. It demonstrates that genuine thanksgiving leads to a deeper, more consistent communion with God. Thirdly, the phrase "as long as I live" emphasizes **Enduring Faith and Perseverance in Prayer**, illustrating that past experiences of God's faithfulness build a strong foundation for future trust and consistent prayer, fostering a sustained, unceasing relationship with the Almighty, a principle echoed in [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - Parable of the Persistent Widow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inclined (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** From H5186, this primitive root means "to stretch or spread out" or "to bend away." When applied to God's ear, it paints a vivid anthropomorphic picture of God actively leaning in, drawing near, and giving full, undivided attention to the petitioner. It signifies more than passive hearing; it implies a compassionate, engaged listening, ready to respond and intervene. This active posture of God is what fundamentally assures the psalmist of the efficacy of his prayers.
* **Ear (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** From H241, this noun refers to the physical organ of hearing, derived from a root meaning "broadness." In this context, it is used anthropomorphically to represent God's capacity and willingness to hear. The "inclined ear" emphasizes God's personal attention and sensitivity to the cries of His people, signifying His readiness to receive and process their supplications with deep care and understanding.
* **Call upon (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this primitive root means "to call out to," "to address by name," or "to proclaim." In a theological context, it is frequently used for invoking God's name in prayer, especially in times of distress, worship, or seeking divine intervention. It denotes an act of dependence, trust, and direct communication with the divine. The psalmist's commitment to "call upon him" signifies a continuous, intentional act of seeking God's presence and help.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because he hath inclined his ear unto me":** This opening clause establishes the *reason* and *motivation* for the psalmist's subsequent commitment. It highlights God's active, personal, and compassionate attention to the psalmist's specific cry. The anthropomorphic imagery of God "inclining His ear" suggests a deliberate, attentive posture, as if bending down to hear the softest whisper or the most desperate plea. It is the experience of being truly heard and attended to by the Almighty that forms the bedrock of the psalmist's faith and devotion.
* **"therefore will I call upon [him]":** This clause presents the *response* or *consequence* of God's attentiveness. The certainty of God's hearing and responsiveness leads directly to a resolute and continuous engagement in prayer. It is not a reluctant duty but a settled determination, a vow, and a natural outflow of a heart that has experienced divine faithfulness. The psalmist's will is now aligned with a life of communion with God.
* **"as long as I live":** This final phrase specifies the *duration* of the psalmist's commitment. It signifies a lifelong, unceasing practice of prayer, extending beyond the immediate crisis that prompted the initial cry. It transforms prayer from a temporary act of desperation into a permanent, abiding way of life, a testament to enduring faith, gratitude, and a profound relational commitment to God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 116:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "inclined his ear." This attributes a human physical action (bending the ear) to God, making His divine attentiveness relatable and tangible to human understanding. It emphasizes God's personal engagement and compassionate condescension. The verse also utilizes a clear **Cause and Effect** (or Logical Consequence) structure, explicitly stated by the "Because... therefore" conjunctions. God's action of hearing is presented as the direct cause, and the psalmist's lifelong commitment to prayer is the inevitable effect. This structure highlights the foundational principle that divine faithfulness elicits human devotion. Furthermore, the phrase "therefore will I call upon him as long as I live" functions as a solemn **Vow** or **Solemn Declaration**. It is a deeply personal promise of enduring devotion, made in response to a profound experience of God's grace, underscoring the psalmist's unwavering commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 116:2 profoundly articulates a core theological truth: God is a hearing God, intimately involved in the lives of His people. This verse reveals a reciprocal relationship where divine attentiveness elicits human devotion. The psalmist's commitment to lifelong prayer is not an arbitrary act but a rational, heartfelt response to the demonstrated character of God. It underscores that our experience of God's faithfulness in the past should fuel our confidence and persistence in prayer for the future. This principle transcends the Old Testament, finding echoes throughout Scripture, affirming that the God who inclined His ear to the psalmist is the same God who listens to His people today, inviting them into a continuous dialogue of trust and communion.

* [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 116:2 serves as a powerful and enduring encouragement for believers across all generations. It challenges us to reflect on our own experiences of God's faithfulness and to allow those memories to deepen our resolve for a consistent and fervent prayer life. When we recall how God has listened, intervened, and delivered us in the past, it cultivates a profound sense of gratitude and builds an unshakeable confidence to continue calling upon Him in every circumstance, knowing that He remains ever attentive. This verse transforms prayer from a mere religious duty or a last resort in crisis into a joyful, lifelong privilege and a natural outflow of a grateful heart. It reminds us that our communion with God is a dynamic, relational journey, sustained by His faithfulness and our responsive devotion, fostering a life lived in constant awareness of His presence and readiness to hear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has God "inclined His ear" to you in the past, and how does remembering those specific instances strengthen your prayer life today?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to "call upon Him as long as I live" in your daily walk with Christ, beyond just moments of crisis?**
* **How might a deeper conviction of God's active attentiveness transform your approach to persistent prayer, especially in times of waiting, doubt, or perceived silence?**

### FAQ
**Does "inclined his ear" imply that God only selectively hears prayers, or that some prayers are more important than others?**

Answer: No, the phrase "inclined his ear" does not suggest that God only hears certain prayers or that He is somehow limited in His hearing. Instead, it is a beautiful anthropomorphism, a way of attributing human characteristics to God to help us understand His divine nature. It emphasizes God's active *attentiveness*, *compassion*, and *personal engagement* with the petitioner. It signifies that God is not a passive or distant observer, but one who bends down, draws near, and gives full, undivided attention to the cries of His people, particularly those in distress. God is omniscient and hears all, but this phrase highlights His readiness to respond and His intimate care, assuring the psalmist of the efficacy of his specific plea. It's about the quality of God's listening, not a limitation on it.

**Is the psalmist's commitment to "call upon him as long as I live" a command for all believers, or merely a personal vow?**

Answer: While the psalmist's statement is primarily a deeply personal *declaration* or *vow* stemming from his direct experience of God's faithfulness, it serves as a powerful *example* and *encouragement* for all believers. It is not a direct command in the imperative sense, but it illustrates the natural and desired response of a grateful heart to a responsive God. The New Testament similarly encourages continuous prayer, as seen in [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing"), suggesting that a lifelong commitment to communion with God is indeed a vital aspect of the Christian life, flowing from a relationship of trust and gratitude, much like the psalmist's.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 116:2, with its profound declaration of lifelong devotion to a God who inclines His ear, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist's experience was a personal encounter with God's responsiveness, Christ is the very embodiment of God's attentive love and the ultimate answer to every prayer. It is through the person and work of Jesus that humanity gains unfettered access to the Father, allowing our prayers to be not merely heard, but accepted. Jesus Himself perfectly modeled a life of constant prayer and dependence on the Father, demonstrating what it means to "call upon him as long as I live," as beautifully illustrated in [Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray"). More profoundly, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross removed the barrier of sin, making it possible for us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered according to His will, as declared in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"). He is our great High Priest, who ever lives to make intercession for us, ensuring that the Father's ear is always inclined towards those who call upon Him in Jesus' name, a truth powerfully conveyed in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor") and [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name"). Thus, the psalmist's vow becomes a reality for every believer, not just through personal resolve, but through the enduring intercession and perfect mediation of the Lamb of God, who invites us to "ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you," as promised in [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 145:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Psalms 40:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Psalms 55:16

¶ As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

Psalms 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalms 86:6

Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.