Psalms 55:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)} on Neginoth {H5058}, Maschil {H4905}{H8688)}, A Psalm of David {H1732}. Give ear {H238}{H8685)} to my prayer {H8605}, O God {H430}; and hide {H5956}{H8691)} not thyself from my supplication {H8467}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David: Listen, God, to my prayer! Don't hide yourself from my plea!

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.

American Standard Version

Give ear to my prayer, O God; And hide not thyself from my supplication.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 55:1 serves as a poignant and urgent opening to a lament, immediately plunging the reader into the psalmist David's profound distress. It is an impassioned cry to God, an earnest plea for divine attention and intervention, setting a tone of deep anguish and desperate reliance on the Almighty. This verse encapsulates the foundational human need for God's active presence and responsive engagement in times of overwhelming trouble, articulating a core supplication for God to not only hear but to truly incline His ear and remain visible to His suffering servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55:1 functions as the direct invocation within a deeply personal and emotionally charged lament psalm. The superscription, "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David," immediately signals its liturgical purpose and authorship, preparing the reader for a composition intended for musical performance and spiritual instruction. Following this initial, desperate plea for God's attention, David rapidly descends into a vivid description of his agitated spirit, the terror that has seized him, and his overwhelming desire to escape his tormentors, as detailed in [Psalms 55:2-8](/psalms/55-2-8 "Psalm 55:2-8 - David's Anguish and Desire to Flee"). The subsequent verses reveal the devastating source of his pain: a profound betrayal by a trusted companion, a theme that becomes central to the psalm's middle section (e.g., [Psalms 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12-14 "Psalm 55:12-14 - The Betrayal of a Close Friend")). Thus, verse 1 is far more than a conventional opening; it is a raw, urgent gasp for divine engagement, a necessary prelude to the full exposition of David's suffering and his subsequent appeals for justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical trigger for Psalm 55 is not explicitly stated, the internal narrative, particularly the theme of betrayal by a trusted friend, strongly aligns with the period of Absalom's rebellion against King David. This tumultuous time, recounted in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion"), saw David endure not only political upheaval but also profound personal anguish, exacerbated by the treachery of his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, who defected to Absalom's side. In ancient Israelite culture, loyalty and covenant faithfulness were paramount virtues, making betrayal, especially by a close confidant, an exceptionally grievous offense that struck at the very fabric of social and personal trust. The superscription's mention of "Neginoth" indicates the psalm's intended use with stringed instruments, suggesting its role in public worship where the community could identify with the king's suffering and his unwavering reliance on God. The term "Maschil" further implies its didactic purpose, designed to impart wisdom or insight through reflection on David's deeply personal and challenging experience.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout Psalm 55 and indeed, the entire Psalter. The most prominent is the **Urgency and Sincerity of Prayer**, as David's direct and imperative pleas ("Give ear," "hide not thyself") underscore a desperate need for immediate divine engagement. This reflects the broader biblical teaching on the power and necessity of persistent prayer in times of trouble, a motif seen in the earnest cries of the righteous throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalms 3:4](/psalms/3-4 "Psalm 3:4 - David's Cry for Help")). Another crucial theme is the **Desire for Divine Presence and Responsiveness**. David's fear of God "hiding Himself" reveals a deep longing for God's active attention and intervention, not His silence or indifference. This highlights the intimate, personal relationship between the psalmist and God, where God is perceived not as a distant deity but as a caring, listening Father. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Dependence on God Alone**, as David turns exclusively to the Almighty for help in a situation where human aid has failed or turned against him. This reliance on God is a recurring motif in David's psalms, especially when he faces overwhelming odds or profound personal crisis, as powerfully exemplified in [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and My Fortress").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give ear (Hebrew, _ʼâzan'_):** Derived from the root H238, this imperative verb literally means "to broaden out the ear (with the hand)," implying an intentional act of listening intently. It is not merely a request for God to hear a sound, but to actively pay close attention, to hearken with understanding, and to respond to the content of the prayer. It conveys David's deep desire for empathetic and engaged listening from the divine, seeking not just auditory perception but active comprehension and intervention.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430) is commonly used to refer to the supreme God, often with the article (though not present here, the context makes it clear). It signifies the Almighty, the Creator, the One who possesses ultimate power and authority. David's direct address to "God" underscores his recognition that only the sovereign Lord can provide the help he desperately seeks, appealing to the very nature of the divine as the ultimate source of power and justice.
* **hide (Hebrew, _ʻâlam'_):** From the primitive root H5956, meaning "to veil from sight" or "conceal." In this context, the negative imperative "hide not thyself" expresses David's profound fear of divine absence, silence, or indifference. It is a plea for God's visible and active presence, for Him not to withdraw, remain distant, or turn a blind eye to David's suffering. It conveys an anxiety that God might ignore his plea or remain unresponsive to his acute distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David."**: This superscription provides crucial metadata for the psalm. "To the chief Musician" indicates its liturgical destination, likely for public worship under the direction of the temple choirmaster. "on Neginoth" specifies that it was to be accompanied by stringed instruments, suggesting a melodious and perhaps somber musical setting suitable for a lament. "Maschil" signifies a psalm of instruction or contemplation, designed to impart wisdom or insight through reflection on the psalmist's experience. "[A Psalm] of David" attributes authorship to King David, grounding the psalm in his personal life and struggles, which frequently included intense periods of persecution and betrayal.
* **"Give ear to my prayer, O God;"**: This is David's immediate, direct, and urgent plea. The imperative "Give ear" (Hebrew _ha'azinah_) is a forceful request for God to listen intently and actively. It reflects David's desperate need for divine attention, not a casual hearing, but a deep, engaged listening that leads to understanding and action. Addressing God directly ("O God") emphasizes his absolute reliance on the Almighty as his sole source of help and his conviction that only the divine can truly respond to his plight.
* **"and hide not thyself from my supplication."**: This clause expresses David's profound fear of God's silence, absence, or indifference in his time of need. The phrase "hide not thyself" (Hebrew _'al tit'alam_) literally means "do not conceal yourself" or "do not turn a blind eye." It conveys a deep anxiety that God might ignore his plea or remain unresponsive to his suffering. It is a desperate plea for God's visible and active presence, for Him not to withdraw or remain distant when David is in acute distress, highlighting his longing for divine intervention and reassurance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 55:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey David's urgent and desperate plea. The most prominent is **Personification**, where God is described anthropomorphically as capable of "hiding Himself" or "turning a blind eye" to David's supplication. This vivid imagery expresses David's profound fear of divine abandonment or unresponsiveness, treating God as a being who can physically withdraw or avert His gaze. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the two main clauses of the verse: "Give ear to my prayer" and "hide not thyself from my supplication." This is an example of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause reinforces and rephrases the request of the first, intensifying the plea for God's attentive presence and active engagement. The consistent use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Give ear," "hide not") underscores the urgency and directness of David's appeal, highlighting his desperate state and his unwavering conviction that only God can provide the necessary intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 55:1 establishes a fundamental theological truth: God is a God who hears and actively responds to the cries of His people. David's urgent plea reflects a deep-seated biblical understanding of prayer as a direct and intimate conversation with the Creator, who is not distant or indifferent but actively engaged with human suffering. This verse highlights the paradox of faith in distress: even when one fears God's silence, the very act of crying out demonstrates an underlying trust in His character and His willingness to listen. It underscores the divine invitation for humanity to bring their deepest fears, anxieties, and even their sense of abandonment directly to God, confident that He cares and is capable of intervention. This foundational principle of divine attentiveness to human supplication is a cornerstone of biblical theology, affirming God's immanence and His covenant faithfulness to those who call upon His name, assuring believers that their earnest pleas do not fall on deaf ears.

* [Psalms 17:6](/psalms/17-6 "Psalm 17:6 - David's Confidence in God's Hearing")
* [Isaiah 59:1](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1 - The Lord's Arm is Not Too Short to Save")
* [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer According to God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 55:1 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual lesson for believers navigating life's inevitable trials. David's raw honesty in prayer grants us permission to bring our full emotional spectrum—our fears, anxieties, frustrations, and even our sense of being unheard or abandoned—directly to God. We are not called to sanitize our prayers or pretend a composure we do not possess. Instead, this verse invites us into a space of radical vulnerability, demonstrating that true faith allows for the expression of doubt and distress alongside unwavering trust. David's persistent cry, even when he fears God might "hide Himself," models a vital spiritual discipline: to keep praying, keep seeking, and keep trusting, even when answers are delayed, God's presence feels distant, or circumstances seem to contradict His care. It reminds us that our primary recourse in times of overwhelming difficulty is not human wisdom or strength, but the attentive ear of our compassionate God, who invites us to cast all our anxieties upon Him because He cares for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does David's urgent plea in Psalm 55:1 reveal about the nature of his relationship with God, particularly in times of distress?**
* **In what specific situations or seasons of life do you find yourself most tempted to believe that God is "hiding Himself" or not listening to your prayers?**
* **How does David's honesty in expressing his fear of God's silence encourage you to be more vulnerable and authentic in your own prayer life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more persistent and honest prayer life, especially when answers seem delayed or God's presence feels distant?**

### FAQ

**What does "Maschil" mean in the superscription of Psalm 55:1?**

Answer: "Maschil" (מַשְׂכִּיל, _maskîyl'_, H4905) is a Hebrew term found in the superscriptions of 13 psalms (e.g., [Psalms 32](/psalms/32 "Psalm 32 - A Psalm of Instruction and Forgiveness"), [Psalms 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As the Deer Pants for Water")). It is generally understood to mean "a psalm of instruction," "a contemplative psalm," or "a psalm imparting wisdom." It suggests that the psalm is intended to provide insight, understanding, or guidance through reflection on the experiences and truths it conveys. In the context of Psalm 55, it implies that David's raw experience of betrayal and his desperate prayer are meant to teach the reader about faith, suffering, and divine justice, offering a model for how to approach God in profound distress.

**Why does David fear God "hiding Himself" from his supplication?**

Answer: David's fear of God "hiding Himself" (Hebrew, _'al tit'alam'_, H5956) reflects a common human experience of feeling unheard or abandoned in times of deep distress, even by those who should be closest. Theologically, it expresses a profound anxiety that God might be unresponsive, indifferent, or even absent from his suffering. This is not necessarily a statement of doubt in God's existence or power, but rather an honest expression of the emotional anguish that can accompany intense trials. David is pleading for God's active engagement and visible presence, for Him not to turn away or remain silent when His servant is in dire need. This fear is a common theme in laments throughout the Psalter (e.g., [Psalms 10:1](/psalms/10-1 "Psalm 10:1 - Why Do You Stand Far Off, O Lord?"), [Psalms 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - How Long, O Lord?")). It highlights the psalmist's deep desire for an intimate, responsive relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 55:1, with David's desperate plea for God to "give ear" and "hide not Himself" from his supplication, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David cried out in his personal anguish, often stemming from the betrayal of a trusted friend, Jesus, the Son of David, experienced betrayal on an unparalleled scale, culminating in His crucifixion. On the cross, Jesus uttered the profound cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), a lament that echoes David's fear of divine abandonment. Yet, this cry was not a sign of God's indifference, but the very moment Christ bore the full weight of humanity's sin, experiencing true, albeit temporary, separation from the Father for our sake. Unlike David, whose prayers were heard and answered in his eventual deliverance, Jesus' cry on the cross was part of the very act of salvation, where God did not "hide Himself" from the *sin* but poured out His wrath on the Son, ensuring that He would never hide His face from those who believe. Through Christ's ultimate sacrifice, the believer is assured that their prayers are always heard and that God will never hide Himself from their supplications, for we have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Our Sympathetic High Priest")) and continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession")). The open access to God's ear, which David so desperately sought, is now freely given to all who come through Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), ensuring that our prayers are always received by a God who truly hears and never hides.

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

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 86:6

Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

Psalms 61:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Neginah, [A Psalm] of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

Psalms 27:9

Hide not thy face [far] from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Psalms 64:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Psalms 80:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

Psalms 84:8

¶ O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.