Psalms 31:2

Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

Bow down {H5186} thine ear {H241} to me; deliver {H5337} me speedily {H4120}: be thou my strong {H4581} rock {H6697}, for an house {H1004} of defence {H4686} to save {H3467} me.

Turn your ear toward me, come quickly to my rescue, be for me a rock of strength, a fortress to keep me safe.

Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.

Bow down thine ear unto me; deliver me speedily: Be thou to me a strong rock, A house of defence to save me.

Psalms 31:2 is a poignant prayer from David, expressing urgent need and profound trust in God's ability to deliver and protect. It encapsulates a universal cry for divine intervention in times of distress, painting vivid pictures of God as the ultimate refuge.

Context of Psalms 31:2

Psalm 31 is a psalm of David, often categorized as a psalm of lament, yet it beautifully transitions into expressions of faith and praise. At the time of this prayer, David likely faced severe personal distress, possibly from enemies, betrayal, or affliction, as indicated by verses like Psalm 31:9 ("For my soul is consumed with grief"). This verse, therefore, comes from a heart besieged by trouble, seeking immediate and powerful divine assistance. It sets the tone for a psalm that moves from desperation to a steadfast declaration of trust in the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Urgent Appeal for Divine Attention: David begins with "Bow down thine ear to me," a heartfelt plea for God to listen attentively and lean in, signifying a personal and immediate response to his cry. This imagery suggests God's compassionate willingness to hear His distressed children.
  • Plea for Immediate Deliverance: The request "deliver me speedily" underscores the urgency of David's situation. It's not just a request for help, but for swift intervention, reflecting a crisis where delay could be disastrous. This highlights the human desire for quick relief from suffering.
  • God as an Impregnable Refuge: David seeks God to "be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me." This powerful imagery portrays God as an unmovable foundation and an impenetrable fortress. The imagery of God as a strong rock and fortress is a recurring theme in the Psalms, signifying absolute safety and unwavering strength against all threats.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rock" used here (tsur) denotes a large, immovable rock formation, often a cliff or crag, symbolizing stability, strength, and an inaccessible refuge. The phrase "house of defence" translates from beth metsudah, literally "house of fortress" or "stronghold." This emphasizes God's role not just as a temporary shelter but as an enduring, secure dwelling place where one can find permanent safety and protection. The combination of "strong rock" and "house of defence" paints a picture of comprehensive and unyielding divine protection.

Related Scriptures

The theme of God as a refuge is echoed throughout Scripture. For instance, Psalm 91:2 declares, "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." Similarly, the plea for speedy deliverance is a common refrain in David's prayers, reflecting his constant reliance on God in times of trouble.

Practical Application

Psalms 31:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When facing overwhelming challenges, distress, or danger, we can approach God with the same heartfelt and urgent plea. This verse reminds us that God is not distant but is attentive to our cries, ready to act as our "strong rock" and "house of defence." It encourages us to place our complete trust in His unwavering strength and protective presence, finding security and salvation in Him, no matter the circumstances.

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 71:2

    Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

  • Psalms 71:3

    Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress.

  • Psalms 86:1

    ¶ A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I [am] poor and needy.

  • Psalms 102:2

    Hide not thy face from me in the day [when] I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day [when] I call answer me speedily.

  • Deuteronomy 32:31

    For their rock [is] not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges.

  • Psalms 130:2

    Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

  • 1 John 4:15

    Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

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