Psalms 54:2

KJV

Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}{H8798)} my prayer {H8605}, O God {H430}; give ear {H238}{H8685)} to the words {H561} of my mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God, hear my prayer; listen to the words from my mouth.

Berean Standard Bible

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.

American Standard Version

Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 54:2 presents an urgent and profound cry from King David to God, imploring divine attention and active intervention during a period of intense personal peril and betrayal. This verse encapsulates the essence of desperate, heartfelt prayer, where the supplicant pours out their innermost fears and needs, trusting implicitly that God not only perceives their words but will also respond with active engagement and deliverance. It highlights the believer's absolute dependence on God as their ultimate refuge and source of salvation in times of overwhelming distress, setting a foundational tone for the psalm's themes of lament, trust, and anticipated vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 54 is introduced as a "Maschil," a term often associated with psalms of instruction or contemplation, suggesting a didactic purpose even within a lament. Its superscription provides crucial historical context, attributing its composition to David "when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?" This places the psalm within David's prolonged period of flight from King Saul, a time characterized by relentless persecution and existential threat. Verse 2 immediately follows David's initial, urgent plea for salvation in [Psalm 54:1](/psalms/54-1 "Psalm 54:1 - David's Plea for Salvation"), "Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength." This opening couplet establishes the psalmist's desperate situation and his immediate, unreserved turn to God as his sole hope, thereby setting a tone of intense supplication and unwavering trust in divine power and justice. The direct address to God underscores the intimate and deeply personal nature of David's relationship with the divine, even amidst profound distress.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 54 is vividly described in [1 Samuel 23:19-24](/1_samuel/23-19-24 "1 Samuel 23:19-24 - The Ziphites Betray David to Saul"), where the Ziphites, inhabitants of the wilderness of Ziph in Judah, twice betrayed David's whereabouts to King Saul, placing David in mortal danger. This act of treachery by fellow Israelites, from whom David might have expected loyalty or at least neutrality, intensified his sense of isolation and vulnerability. In ancient Israelite society, where tribal and familial loyalties were paramount, such betrayal was deeply wounding and socially devastating. David, though divinely anointed as the future king, found himself a hunted fugitive, with no human allies or institutions to turn to for justice or protection against the reigning monarch. In this precarious state, David's only recourse was to appeal directly to the divine sovereign. His prayer reflects a deep understanding of God's character as a just judge and powerful deliverer, a common and comforting theme in the laments of the oppressed throughout the Old Testament.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 54:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully exemplifies **Earnest Supplication**, showcasing a profound and urgent cry for divine intervention, an unreserved outpouring of the heart rather than a casual request. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Attentiveness**, resting on the foundational belief that God is not distant or indifferent but actively hears and responds to the prayers of His people, a comfort echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 116:1](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1 - God Hears the Cry of His People"). Thirdly, the phrase "words of my mouth" emphasizes the theme of **Vocalized Prayer**, suggesting that while silent prayer is valid, there is a unique earnestness and power in audibly expressing one's petitions to God, particularly in moments of great need or distress. Finally, David's precarious situation underscores the theme of **Absolute Dependence on God**, demonstrating that in the face of overwhelming human opposition and betrayal, God alone remains the faithful deliverer and protector, a truth powerfully articulated in [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This verb carries a much deeper meaning than mere auditory perception. In a theological context, _shâmaʻ'_ implies listening with attention, understanding, and, crucially, acting upon what is heard. It denotes a responsive hearing, where God's "hearing" is intrinsically linked to His active engagement and intervention on behalf of the supplicant. David is not simply asking God to be aware of his words, but to respond to them with divine power and deliverance, demonstrating His attentiveness and faithfulness.
* **Give ear (Hebrew, _ʼâzan'_):** This is a poetic and often more intense synonym for "hear," frequently used in contexts of earnest appeal. The imagery, derived from "to broaden out the ear (with the hand)," suggests an inclining or bending down of the ear to listen closely and carefully. The parallelism with _shâmaʻ'_ reinforces the profound earnestness of David's desire for God's full, undivided, and empathetic attention, emphasizing a personal and intimate engagement from the divine, as if God is leaning in to catch every word.
* **Prayer (Hebrew, _tᵉphillâh'_):** This noun refers to a formal, earnest petition or intercession. It often implies a deliberate, humble posture before God, recognizing His sovereignty and the supplicant's dependence. While it can denote a structured form of address, its usage here also conveys a heartfelt communication, a pouring out of the soul in a recognized and reverent manner to the divine, seeking divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear my prayer, O God;"**: This opening clause is a direct, imperative plea, establishing the immediate and desperate need for divine intervention. David addresses God personally, acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority and source of help. The command "Hear" is not presumptuous but reflects the psalmist's confidence in God's character as one who is attentive to His people. It is a cry for God to actively engage with his petition, to not merely perceive sound but to respond with understanding, compassion, and decisive action in his time of dire need.
* **"give ear to the words of my mouth."**: This second clause functions as a powerful example of synonymous parallelism, intensifying and re-emphasizing the initial request. "Give ear" signifies a deliberate act of attentive listening, implying God's focused and undivided concentration on David's spoken words. This phrase underscores the earnestness and vocal nature of David's desperate communication, highlighting the profound sincerity and urgency with which he articulates his plea. It suggests that David is not just thinking his prayer but is audibly pouring out his heart, expecting a responsive audience that will not only hear but also act.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 54:2 powerfully employs **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses express the same fundamental idea in different, reinforcing ways. "Hear my prayer" and "give ear to the words of my mouth" are not redundant but amplify the urgency and sincerity of David's supplication. This repetition serves to underscore the intensity of his plea for divine attention and action. Additionally, the phrase "give ear" is a striking example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human physical characteristic (ears and the act of inclining them) to God. This literary device makes God's attentiveness more relatable and immediate to the human experience, conveying the theological truth of God's active, personal, and empathetic engagement with His people's cries in a vivid, accessible manner. The verse is also a quintessential example of **Supplication** or **Lament**, a common genre in the Psalms where the psalmist directly appeals to God for help in times of distress, often using imperative language to convey the depth and immediacy of their need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological truth embedded in Psalms 54:2 is the unwavering conviction that God is not a distant or indifferent deity but an actively engaged, attentive, and responsive Father who bends His ear to the cries of His children. David's desperate plea affirms the accessibility of God and the efficacy of prayer as the primary means of communication with the divine. It teaches us that in moments of extreme vulnerability, betrayal, or fear, the believer's most powerful and immediate recourse is to pour out their heart to the Lord, trusting in His character as a just deliverer and faithful covenant partner. This verse reinforces the biblical narrative of a God who hears, knows, and acts on behalf of those who call upon Him in truth and sincerity, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His people even when all human support fails and earthly systems betray.

* [Psalm 116:1](/psalms/116-1 "Psalm 116:1 - God Hears and Delivers")
* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Hears the Righteous")
* [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 54:2 offers profound encouragement and a timeless model for believers facing their own moments of crisis, betrayal, or overwhelming fear. Like David, we are invited to approach God directly and unreservedly with our burdens, knowing that He is willing to hear our prayers, regardless of how desperate our situation may seem. This verse reminds us that prayer is not merely a ritual or a last resort, but a vital lifeline, our most powerful refuge when all other avenues are closed and human solutions prove futile. It challenges us to cultivate a prayer life marked by sincerity, earnestness, and vocal expression, to truly "pour out our hearts" to the Lord with the same fervor David exhibited. In doing so, we affirm our absolute dependence on God and embrace the comforting assurance that He is always attentive, always present, and always able to deliver, offering solace and strength in the midst of our deepest trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's desperate plea in Psalms 54:2 resonate with your own experiences of fear, betrayal, or overwhelming need?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly "pour out your heart" to God, and how might this verse encourage greater sincerity and vulnerability in your prayer life?**
* **How does the assurance that God "hears" and "gives ear" to your prayers impact your faith and persistence when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or prolonged periods of waiting?**

### FAQ
**Why does David use two seemingly similar phrases ("Hear my prayer" and "give ear to the words of my mouth")?**

Answer: David's use of these two parallel phrases is a common and powerful feature of Hebrew poetry, known as synonymous parallelism. It is not mere repetition but a literary device used to intensify, emphasize, and deepen the meaning of his plea. "Hear my prayer" is a direct request for God to perceive and acknowledge his petition. "Give ear to the words of my mouth" then amplifies this by suggesting a more active, focused, and intimate form of listening, as if God is inclining His ear to catch every word. This dual expression underscores the profound urgency and sincerity of David's appeal, ensuring that his cry for divine attention is fully conveyed and deeply felt.

**Does God literally "give ear" to us, or is this just a metaphor?**

Answer: The phrase "give ear" is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human physical characteristic (ears) and action (inclining them) to God. God, as Spirit, does not have a physical body. However, this metaphor is profoundly meaningful. It signifies God's active, empathetic, and responsive attention to His people's prayers. It conveys that God is not distant or indifferent but is personally engaged, listening intently, understanding deeply, and prepared to act on behalf of those who call upon Him. It assures the believer of God's intimate presence and willingness to intervene in their circumstances, demonstrating His personal care.

**Is vocalized prayer more effective than silent prayer, given David's emphasis on "words of my mouth"?**

Answer: Both vocalized and silent prayer are valid and effective forms of communication with God. The Bible affirms both private, unspoken communion with God (e.g., [Matthew 6:6](/matthew/6-6 "Matthew 6:6 - Pray in Secret")) and public, vocalized petitions. David's emphasis on "words of my mouth" in Psalms 54:2 highlights the earnestness and outward expression of his desperate plea in a moment of extreme peril. For some, vocalizing prayer can help focus the mind, express greater intensity, and engage the whole person in the act of supplication. However, the sincerity of the heart, the faith behind the prayer, and alignment with God's will are far more important than the audible nature of the words, as God knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart (e.g., [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 54:2, with its fervent plea for divine attention and deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David cried out in his personal peril, Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly embodied the role of the ultimate supplicant, especially in His agonizing prayers in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), where He poured out His soul to the Father in the face of the cross, demonstrating perfect dependence and obedience. More profoundly, Jesus is the very God to whom David prayed; He is the one who "hears" and "gives ear" to the prayers of His people, for He is God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), fully divine and fully human. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ has opened the way for believers to approach the Father directly, with confidence and assurance that their prayers are heard, not based on their own righteousness, but on His perfect mediation ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, even intercedes for us with groans too deep for words ([Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")), ensuring that our deepest cries are always presented before the Father in a way that aligns with His will. Thus, David's desperate prayer for deliverance foreshadows the ultimate deliverance secured by Christ, who not only hears our prayers but is Himself the answer to our deepest need for salvation, peace, and eternal life.

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 130:2

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

Psalms 13:3

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

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 55:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

Psalms 55:2

Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

Psalms 5:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

Psalms 5:3

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up.