Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

The eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068} are upon the righteous {H6662}, and his ears {H241} are open unto their cry {H7775}.

The eyes of ADONAI watch over the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.

The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous, And his ears are open unto their cry.

Commentary on Psalms 34:15 (KJV)

Psalms 34:15 is a powerful declaration of God's attentive care and responsiveness to those who live righteously. This verse assures believers of divine watchfulness and a listening ear, providing immense comfort and encouragement in times of distress.

Context

Psalm 34 is a psalm of David, often believed to have been composed after his dramatic escape from Abimelech (Achish), as recounted in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, where he feigned madness. This psalm is a song of thanksgiving and praise, reflecting on God's faithfulness in delivering him from trouble. David encourages others to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalms 34:8), emphasizing the blessings and protection that come from fearing and trusting in the Lord. Verse 15 highlights a core aspect of this divine relationship: God's active engagement with His faithful people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Oversight and Protection: The phrase "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous" signifies God's constant, vigilant watch over His people. It implies not just observation, but active care, protection, and favor. God is intimately aware of their circumstances, joys, and struggles. This theme assures us that we are never out of His sight or beyond His concern.
  • God's Responsiveness to Prayer: "and his ears are open unto their cry" reveals God's readiness to hear and respond to the earnest prayers and pleas of the righteous. It speaks to His compassion and willingness to intervene on their behalf. This is a profound promise of divine accessibility and attentiveness when we call upon Him.
  • The Privilege of the Righteous: The blessings outlined in this verse are specifically directed towards "the righteous." In biblical terms, the righteous are those who strive to live in accordance with God's will, who are in a right relationship with Him through faith and obedience. This doesn't imply perfection, but a genuine desire to walk uprightly. It highlights the special covenant relationship God has with His faithful followers.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "eyes" (עיני - 'einei) in "The eyes of the LORD" emphasizes the direct, focused attention of God. It's not a passive glance but an active, watchful gaze. The word for "cry" (שועה - shav'ah) denotes a desperate plea or an urgent call for help, often made in distress or need. It underscores the sincerity and intensity of the prayers that God promises to hear. This verse finds a direct echo in the New Testament, confirming that "the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers".

Practical Application

Psalms 34:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today.

  1. Confidence in God's Presence: Knowing that God's eyes are upon you provides comfort and security. Even in isolation or hardship, you are not alone; God sees and cares. This should inspire a deeper trust in His providence and protection.
  2. Motivation for Righteous Living: The promise is specifically for "the righteous." While salvation is by grace through faith, this verse encourages a life that seeks to honor God, knowing that such a life positions us to experience His direct favor and intervention. A life of obedience and integrity aligns us with His will and opens the channel for His blessings.
  3. Assurance in Prayer: This verse is a powerful reminder that God truly hears and responds to prayer. When we cry out to Him in faith, we can be confident that our words do not fall on deaf ears. This should motivate us to pray more fervently and persistently, knowing that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much".
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.

  • 1 Peter 3:12

    For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.

  • Psalms 34:17

    [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

  • Psalms 33:18

    Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

  • Job 36:7

    He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings [are they] on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.

  • Psalms 34:6

    This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

  • Psalms 130:2

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

  • 2 Chronicles 6:40

    Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and [let] thine ears [be] attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place.

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