Psalms 27:7

Commentary on Psalms 27:7 (KJV)

Psalms 27:7: "¶ Hear, O LORD, [when] I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me."

Context of Psalm 27:7

Psalm 27 is a powerful declaration of confidence and trust in God amidst times of trouble and opposition. Written by King David, the psalm begins with a bold affirmation of God as his light and salvation (Psalm 27:1), expressing unwavering faith even when facing formidable enemies or an army encamped against him. This verse, Psalm 27:7, marks a shift in tone from confident declaration to earnest supplication. Despite his strong faith, David acknowledges his human need for divine intervention, demonstrating that true confidence in God does not negate the necessity of fervent prayer and humble petition.

Key Themes and Messages

• Earnest Supplication: David's plea, "Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice," highlights the intensity and sincerity of his prayer. It's not a casual request but a vocal, heartfelt outpouring of his soul, indicating deep need and earnest desire for God's attention.
• Dependence on God's Mercy: The petition "have mercy also upon me" underscores David's reliance on God's compassionate nature. He appeals not to his own righteousness but to God's inherent goodness and willingness to show favor and grace to those who seek Him. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that salvation and help come from God's unmerited favor.
• Expectation of Divine Response: The final phrase, "and answer me," reveals David's expectation that God will not only hear but also respond. This demonstrates a robust faith that believes God is active and involved in the lives of His people, ready to intervene and provide solutions or comfort. It speaks to the promise that those who ask will receive.

Linguistic Insights

• "Hear" (Hebrew: shama, שָׁמַע): This Hebrew word means more than just to perceive sound. It implies listening attentively, understanding, and often, acting upon what is heard. When David asks God to "hear," he is asking for God to pay attention to his plea with the intention to respond and intervene.
• "Cry with my voice" (Hebrew: qara' beqoli, קָרָא בְּקוֹלִי): This phrase emphasizes the vocal and often impassioned nature of David's prayer. It suggests a loud, earnest call, signifying desperation and urgency, akin to a child crying out to a parent.
• "Mercy" (Hebrew: chanan, חָנַן): This root means to be gracious, to show favor, or to have compassion. It often implies a benefactor bestowing a gift or favor upon someone in need, not because they deserve it, but out of kindness and generosity. David appeals to God's inherent compassionate nature.

Practical Application

Psalms 27:7 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It teaches us that:

• Vocal and Heartfelt Prayer is Powerful: There is value in expressing our needs and desires to God with our voices, pouring out our hearts to Him with sincerity and earnestness. This kind of prayer is not about informing God but about expressing our dependence and trust.
• God is Merciful and Attentive: We can approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a God of mercy and compassion, always ready to listen to the cries of His children. Our appeals should always be rooted in His character, not our own merit.
• Expect an Answer: Just as David expected God to answer him, we too can pray with the expectation that God will respond according to His perfect will and timing. This belief fosters persistence and faith in our prayer lives, knowing that God delights in hearing and answering His people (Psalm 116:1). This verse reminds us that even the most confident among us still need to cry out to the Lord for His help and grace.