


Psalms 141:1
Bible Versions
¶ A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
A psalm of David: ADONAI, I have called you; come to me quickly! Listen to my plea when I call to you.
I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You.
Jehovah, I have called upon thee; make haste unto me: Give ear unto my voice, when I call unto thee.
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Psalms 70:5
But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying. -
Psalms 71:12
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. -
Psalms 143:7
¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. -
Psalms 40:13
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. -
Psalms 69:17
And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. -
Psalms 69:18
Draw nigh unto my soul, [and] redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies. -
Psalms 22:19
But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Context of Psalms 141:1
Psalm 141 is attributed to David, and like many of his psalms, it likely expresses his fervent prayer during a time of intense personal distress, perhaps when he was fleeing enemies or facing temptation to retaliate unjustly. This opening verse immediately sets a tone of urgency and deep dependence on God. It captures the heart of a man in dire need, reaching out directly to the Lord for immediate intervention and attentive listening. This psalm is a powerful example of a prayer for divine protection and guidance in a hostile environment.
Key Themes in Psalms 141:1
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word translated as "cry" (qara') is not merely a soft whisper but often implies a loud, earnest, and sometimes desperate calling out. It signifies a profound emotional outpouring and an appeal for immediate attention. Similarly, "make haste" (chush) conveys a strong sense of urgency, an appeal for swiftness rather than mere promptness. "Give ear" ('azan) means more than just hearing a sound; it implies listening with intent to respond, to pay close attention to the speaker's plea, much like Psalm 34:17 speaks of the Lord hearing the righteous.
Practical Application
Psalms 141:1 offers a timeless model for prayer, especially in times of trouble. It teaches us that: