140:13 140:13

Psalms 141:1

141:2 141:2

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 {H4210} of David {H1732}. LORD {H3068}, I cry {H7121} unto thee: make haste {H2363} unto me; give ear {H238} unto my voice {H6963}, when I cry {H7121} 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.

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

  • Urgent Supplication: David's repeated plea, "make haste unto me," underscores a desperate need for God's swift action. This isn't a casual request but a cry born out of pressing circumstances, highlighting the human need for divine intervention in moments of crisis.
  • God's Attentiveness: The request "give ear unto my voice" reflects David's profound belief in a God who not only hears but actively listens and responds to the prayers of His people. It emphasizes God's personal engagement with His creation.
  • Personal Dependence: The direct address, "LORD, I cry unto thee," showcases a deep, personal relationship with God. David doesn't appeal to intermediaries but pours out his heart directly to the Sovereign Lord, demonstrating complete reliance on Him. This mirrors the heart of David's prayer in Psalm 18:6, where he cries out to God in his distress and is heard.

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:

  • Authenticity in Prayer: It is right and good to bring our deepest, most urgent needs directly to God without pretense. He welcomes our sincere and desperate cries.
  • Confidence in God's Character: We can approach God with the confidence that He is not only powerful enough to act but also compassionate enough to listen intently to our voice.
  • Urgency is Permitted: When facing immediate challenges, we can boldly ask God to "make haste" on our behalf, trusting in His perfect timing and sovereign plan. This verse encourages believers to develop a consistent habit of prayer, knowing that God is always accessible and attentive to those who call upon His name.
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.

  • 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.
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