Psalms 5:2

KJV

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H7181} unto the voice {H6963} of my cry {H7773}, my King {H4428}, and my God {H430}: for unto thee will I pray {H6419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen to my cry for help, my king and my God, for I pray to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray.

American Standard Version

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God; For unto thee do I pray.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 5:2 is a profound and intensely personal supplication from David, revealing his urgent and singular reliance on God in a time of distress. It captures the psalmist's posture of profound dependence and intimate relationship with the Almighty, addressing Him as both sovereign ruler and personal covenant God, to whom alone David directs his earnest, heartfelt cry. This verse serves as the foundational declaration of trust and exclusive devotion that undergirds the entire psalm, setting the stage for a lament and confident appeal for divine intervention and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 5 is categorized as a psalm of individual lament, opening with an urgent appeal for God's attention before transitioning into a detailed description of the psalmist's enemies, their wickedness, and a plea for divine judgment against them. The superscription "To the choirmaster: with flutes" (or "for the flutes") suggests its liturgical use, perhaps as a morning prayer, following the evening prayer of [Psalms 4](/psalms/4 "Psalm 4 - An Evening Prayer"). Verse 2 follows David's initial call in [Psalms 5:1](/psalms/5-1 "Psalm 5:1 - Give Ear to My Words"), "Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning." This immediate sequence establishes a pattern of escalating earnestness, moving from a general request for attention to a specific, intense "cry." The verse is pivotal in establishing the direct, intimate, and urgent nature of David's communication with the Divine, before he articulates his specific requests for guidance (e.g., [Psalms 5:8](/psalms/5-8 "Psalm 5:8 - Lead Me, O Lord")) and protection from his deceitful adversaries. The psalm concludes with a confident declaration of God's blessing upon the righteous, reinforcing the psalmist's initial trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical occasion for Psalms 5 is not explicitly stated, it is widely attributed to David and reflects a period of significant personal distress, likely involving opposition or persecution from enemies. This could align with various episodes in David's life, such as the period of Saul's pursuit, Absalom's rebellion, or other conflicts. In ancient Israel, kings like David were expected to be righteous rulers who sought divine guidance and justice, embodying the nation's reliance on God. Prayer, particularly at specific times of day (morning, evening), was a deeply ingrained practice, reflecting a daily dependence on God for wisdom, protection, and deliverance. The concept of God as "King" (מַלְכִּי, _malki_) was fundamental to Israelite theology, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty over creation and His covenant people, transcending even earthly monarchs. Addressing God as "my God" (אֱלֹהַי, _’elohai_) signifies a personal, covenantal relationship, a deeply cherished aspect of Israelite faith rooted in God's self-revelation to figures like Abraham and Moses, emphasizing His unique identity as the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 5:2 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **earnest and urgent prayer**, demonstrating that genuine supplication often arises from deep need and involves a heartfelt outpouring rather than a mere formal recitation. David's "cry" signifies a desperate plea, emphasizing the importance of bringing our raw emotions and deepest needs before God, as powerfully illustrated in other laments like [Psalms 130:1-2](/psalms/130-1-2 "Psalm 130:1-2 - Out of the Depths I Cry"). Secondly, it underscores **God's dual nature as both sovereign King and personal God**. Addressing God as "my King, and my God" beautifully captures His supreme authority over all creation and His intimate, covenant-keeping relationship with His people. This dual understanding underpins David's confidence in approaching Him, knowing that the omnipotent ruler also cares personally for His servant. This theme of God's personal care is powerfully echoed in [Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). Finally, the declaration "for unto thee will I pray" emphasizes **exclusive reliance on God**, affirming that He alone is the ultimate source of help and the proper recipient of all worship and supplication, a foundational principle of biblical faith also found in [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Turn to Me and Be Saved").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _qâshab'_):** From H7181, this verb means "to prick up the ears," implying an active, attentive posture of listening with the intent to consider, understand, and respond. It suggests more than merely perceiving sound; it conveys a deep desire for God not just to hear the words, but to truly attend to the plea and act upon it. In the context of prayer, it highlights the supplicant's expectation of divine engagement and responsiveness, indicating a belief that God is not indifferent but actively involved in the affairs of His people.
* **Cry (Hebrew, _shevaʻ'_):** From H7773, this noun refers to a "halloo" or a "loud cry for help," often indicative of distress, anguish, or an urgent appeal for deliverance. It is not a casual request but an intense, sometimes audible, outpouring of the soul in a desperate situation. This term underscores the depth of David's need and the fervent, unreserved nature of his prayer, reflecting a heart burdened by circumstances and seeking immediate divine intervention. It conveys the raw, unadulterated emotion of one in dire straits.
* **Pray (Hebrew, _pâlal'_):** From H6419, this primitive root means "to judge (officially or mentally)," but by extension, "to intercede, pray." While its root suggests a judicial context (presenting a case), in this usage, it signifies the act of making supplication or entreaty to God. It implies a deliberate, formal, and often persistent act of communication with the divine, where one lays out their situation and requests before the ultimate Judge and Helper. This term emphasizes the intentional and purposeful nature of David's address to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto the voice of my cry":** This opening phrase is an imperative plea, an urgent command directed to God. "Hearken" (Hebrew: _qâshab_) implies not just hearing, but attentive listening with a view to action. "The voice of my cry" (Hebrew: _qôwl shevaʻi_) emphasizes the intensity and desperation of David's prayer. It is not a quiet whisper but a vociferous, heartfelt outpouring, perhaps even an audible wail of distress, signifying the depth of his anguish and the earnestness of his appeal for immediate divine intervention.
* **"my King, and my God":** David addresses God with two profound and possessive titles, both indicating an intimate and personal relationship. "My King" (Hebrew: _malki_) acknowledges God's supreme sovereignty, His absolute authority, and His rightful claim to David's allegiance. It speaks to God's universal dominion, His power to rule, judge, and deliver. "My God" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym_) emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and personal relationship with David. It highlights His identity as the one true God, distinct from idols, and the object of David's exclusive devotion and trust. The combination of these titles reveals David's comprehensive understanding of God's character: both transcendent and immanent, powerful and personally involved.
* **"for unto thee will I pray":** This clause provides the rationale and exclusive direction for David's fervent plea. The preposition "unto thee" (Hebrew: _’eleyka_) is emphatic, underscoring that God alone is the recipient and object of David's prayer. It signifies an exclusive reliance on God for help and intervention, rejecting any other source of aid or hope. This declaration establishes the foundational principle that in times of distress, the believer's ultimate recourse and hope lie solely in the Almighty, affirming a monotheistic devotion that distinguishes Israelite faith.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 5:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey David's earnest supplication and profound faith. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, where David directly addresses God as "my King, and my God," speaking to the divine entity as if present and capable of direct interaction. This device immediately establishes the intimate, personal, and direct nature of the prayer. The phrase "the voice of my cry" utilizes **Personification**, giving an inanimate "cry" a "voice," thereby emphasizing its intensity and the audible, desperate nature of David's supplication. Furthermore, the repeated use of the possessive pronoun "my" in "my cry," "my King," and "my God" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the deeply personal and covenantal relationship David shares with the Divine, underscoring his individual reliance and devotion. The structure of the address, moving from the desperate plea to the dual, intimate titles of God, then to the declaration of exclusive prayer, also demonstrates a form of **Climax** in the expression of David's faith and dependence, building from a raw emotional outpouring to a theological affirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 5:2 profoundly illustrates the accessibility and responsiveness of God to the earnest prayers of His people. It underscores that true prayer is more than mere words; it is a heartfelt cry born of deep need and unwavering trust in God's character as both sovereign ruler and personal deliverer. This verse establishes a pattern for approaching God with raw honesty and confident expectation, knowing that the One who governs the universe also intimately cares for the individual. The dual address of "my King, and my God" encapsulates the tension and harmony between God's transcendence and His immanence, inviting believers to worship His majesty while relying on His personal faithfulness and covenant love. This verse is a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer when directed to the one true God.

* [Psalms 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalm 18:6 - David's Cry and God's Deliverance")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer, Supplication, and Peace")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 5:2 serves as a powerful model for our own prayer lives, encouraging us to cultivate a deep, personal, and earnest communion with God. It reminds us that our prayers do not need to be eloquent or perfectly structured; what God desires is the genuine "voice of our cry"—the unfiltered expression of our deepest needs, fears, and hopes. In a world full of distractions and alternative sources of help, David's singular focus ("for unto thee will I pray") challenges us to place our ultimate reliance solely on God. Recognizing Him as both "King" and "God" strengthens our faith, knowing that the One who holds all authority and power is also our intimate, covenant-keeping Father who listens attentively to our every plea. This verse calls us to bring our whole selves, with all our vulnerabilities and desperation, before the throne of grace, confident in His attentiveness and ability to respond. It is a call to radical dependence, acknowledging that true help comes only from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "the voice of my cry" mean for your personal prayer life? Are you comfortable bringing your raw emotions and deepest needs before God?**
* **How does addressing God as both "my King" and "my God" shape your understanding of His character and your relationship with Him, especially in times of distress?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on sources other than God for help? How can you cultivate a more exclusive reliance on Him, as David models, and what practical steps can you take?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of David calling God "my King, and my God" in this verse?**

Answer: This dual address is profoundly significant, revealing the comprehensive nature of David's understanding of God and his relationship with Him. Calling God "my King" (Hebrew: _malki_, H4428) acknowledges His supreme sovereignty, His absolute authority over all creation, and His rightful dominion over David's life. It speaks to God's transcendence, His power to rule, judge, and deliver. This title underscores that the one to whom David prays is the ultimate ruler, capable of orchestrating events and providing decisive intervention. Simultaneously, calling Him "my God" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym_, H430) emphasizes a deeply personal, intimate, and covenantal relationship. This title highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, His immanence, and His personal care for His people. It signifies that the Creator of the universe is also David's personal, covenant-keeping God, distinct from all other deities. Together, these titles convey that the God to whom David prays is not only the all-powerful, universal ruler but also the personal, covenant-keeping God who is intimately involved in David's life and hears his individual cry. This combination provides a strong foundation for David's confidence in prayer, knowing that the One who rules the cosmos also cares for him personally, as seen throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd") where the Lord is portrayed as a personal shepherd.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 5:2, with its earnest cry to "my King, and my God," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. David's desperate plea for God to "hearken unto the voice of my cry" foreshadows the intense prayers of Jesus, especially in His moments of deepest anguish, such as in the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed with "loud cries and tears" (Hebrews 5:7), demonstrating a "cry" far deeper than any human lament, a cry that perfectly aligned with the Father's will. Jesus perfectly embodied the dual nature of God as both "King" and "God." He is the promised King of Israel, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal and whose rule is righteous, as prophesied in passages like [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Son of David's Eternal Kingdom") and affirmed by His own words in [John 18:36-37](/john/18-36-37 "John 18:36-37 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World"). Yet, He is also "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), Emmanuel, fully divine and fully human, establishing an intimate and personal relationship with His followers, bringing God near to humanity. The declaration "for unto thee will I pray" finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who perfectly models exclusive reliance on the Father (John 5:19, 30) and serves as our ultimate Intercessor, ever living to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Through Christ, David's cry becomes the cry of all believers, empowered by the Spirit, to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), knowing that our "King and our God" hears and responds through the perfect mediation of His Son, who is both our sovereign Lord and our personal Savior.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 65:2

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

Psalms 3:4

¶ I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

Isaiah 33:22

For the LORD [is] our judge, the LORD [is] our lawgiver, the LORD [is] our king; he will save us.

Psalms 145:1

¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 24:7

¶ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

Psalms 24:8

Who [is] this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

Psalms 99:1

¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.