Psalms 55:17

KJV

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

KJV (with Strong's)

Evening {H6153}, and morning {H1242}, and at noon {H6672}, will I pray {H7878}{H8799)}, and cry aloud {H1993}{H8799)}: and he shall hear {H8085}{H8799)} my voice {H6963}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Evening, morning and noon I complain and moan; but he hears my voice.

Berean Standard Bible

Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.

American Standard Version

Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I complain, and moan; And he will hear my voice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:17 articulates King David's unwavering commitment to consistent and fervent prayer, even amidst profound personal anguish and betrayal. This verse encapsulates a disciplined rhythm of daily supplication—morning, noon, and evening—and expresses a confident assurance that God actively hears and responds to the cries of His distressed servant. It stands as a powerful testament to the psalmist's deep trust in divine attentiveness and faithfulness, regardless of the turmoil he faced.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply emotional lament, showcasing the psalmist's profound distress over betrayal by a trusted friend and the opposition of enemies. The psalm begins with a desperate plea for God to hear his prayer, detailing his inner turmoil, fear, and desire to flee from the treachery surrounding him. Verses 9-15 vividly describe the wickedness and deceit within the city, particularly focusing on the intimate betrayal. Amidst this outpouring of anguish and a longing for escape, verse 17 marks a pivotal shift, revealing David's steadfast practice of turning to God in consistent prayer, thereby anchoring his hope and demonstrating his unwavering reliance on divine intervention despite the overwhelming circumstances. This commitment to prayer serves as a counterpoint to the despair and a foundational act of faith in the face of human treachery, leading into further pleas for divine justice and a declaration of trust in God's deliverance (e.g., [Psalms 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalm 55:22 - Casting Your Burden on the Lord")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop is not explicitly stated in the psalm, tradition and internal evidence strongly suggest Davidic authorship, likely during the period of Absalom's rebellion, where David experienced profound betrayal, possibly by his trusted counselor Ahithophel (as alluded to in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Counsel Turned to Foolishness")). This context of a close confidant turning against him imbues the psalm with intense personal pain. The practice of praying at specific times—morning, noon, and evening—reflects a disciplined spiritual rhythm that was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures and later formalized in Jewish tradition. This practice was not merely arbitrary but often aligned with daily routines, such as the morning and evening sacrifices in the Temple, and later became a hallmark of devout individuals, as seen in [Daniel's consistent prayer life](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Prayer Habit"). This habitual devotion underscored a continuous reliance on God throughout the day, integrating faith into the very fabric of daily life.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 55:17 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Consistent Prayer and Spiritual Discipline**. David's commitment to praying "Evening, and morning, and at noon" underscores the importance of a disciplined and habitual approach to communion with God, regardless of external circumstances. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to [pray without ceasing](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Trust in God's Attentiveness and Faithfulness**. Despite the profound betrayal and distress, David holds firm to the conviction that God "shall hear my voice." This unwavering trust in God's responsiveness, even when human relationships fail, is a cornerstone of the psalmist's faith, a theme frequently explored in psalms of lament and trust (e.g., [Psalms 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "The Lord Hears the Righteous")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Power of Lament and Supplication**. David's decision to "cry aloud" indicates not just quiet meditation but an earnest, vocal, and intense pouring out of his heart to God, demonstrating that authentic prayer often involves expressing deep emotions and urgent needs before a compassionate God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pray (Hebrew, _pālal'_):** The Hebrew verb פָּלַל (_pālal_) carries the primary meaning "to intervene," "to intercede," or "to mediate." While it often refers to prayer in a general sense, its root suggests a deliberate, purposeful act of presenting oneself or a cause before God, often with a sense of self-judgment or seeking judgment from God. In David's context, it implies not merely a casual request but a profound, intentional engagement with the divine, a standing before God to present his case and seek divine intervention in his dire circumstances.
* **Cry aloud (Hebrew, _hāmāh'_):** The Hebrew verb הָמָה (_hāmāh_) means "to moan," "to rage," "to be boisterous," or "to roar." It conveys a sense of deep emotional intensity, often associated with distress, agitation, or a passionate outpouring. When David declares he will "cry aloud," it signifies that his prayer is not a quiet, composed meditation but a fervent, vocal, and perhaps even anguished expression of his soul's deepest pain and urgent need. This word highlights the raw, uninhibited nature of his supplication, reflecting the depth of his suffering and his desperate plea for God's attention.
* **Evening, morning, and at noon (Hebrew, _‘erev, bōqer, tsōhorayim'_):** These three specific time markers—עֶרֶב (_‘erev_ - evening), בֹּקֶר (_bōqer_ - morning), and צָהֳרַיִם (_tsōhorayim_ - noon or midday)—are not merely descriptive but prescriptive, emphasizing the regularity, discipline, and comprehensive nature of David's prayer life. This tricolon signifies a commitment to seeking God throughout the entire day, integrating prayer into the very rhythm of daily existence. It reflects a habitual, consistent devotion that transcends specific circumstances, making prayer a continuous lifeline rather than an occasional act of desperation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Evening, and morning, and at noon":** This opening phrase establishes the consistent, disciplined, and comprehensive nature of the psalmist's prayer life. It signifies a commitment to prayer that pervades the entire day, from the beginning to the end of the waking hours. This rhythm underscores the idea that prayer is not merely a last resort in times of crisis but a foundational, habitual practice that sustains faith and communion with God through all circumstances.
* **"will I pray, and cry aloud":** This clause reveals the dual nature of David's prayer: both a deliberate act of "praying" (engaging with God) and a fervent, emotionally charged "crying aloud." The combination indicates a prayer that is both intentional and deeply passionate, reflecting the urgency and intensity of his distress. It suggests that David is pouring out his heart to God without reservation, expressing his pain, fear, and desperate need for divine intervention with vocal intensity.
* **"and he shall hear my voice":** This concluding declaration expresses absolute confidence and unwavering trust in God's character. Despite the human betrayal and overwhelming circumstances, David is certain that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively attentive and responsive to his prayers. This statement transforms the verse from a mere description of prayer habits into a powerful affirmation of faith in God's faithfulness and His promise to listen to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:17 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Tricolon**, seen in the phrase "Evening, and morning, and at noon." This three-part parallel structure emphasizes the comprehensive and unwavering nature of David's commitment to prayer, suggesting that his supplication is not sporadic but a continuous, disciplined practice throughout the day. This rhythmic repetition creates a sense of steadfastness and devotion. Additionally, the phrase "cry aloud" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, conveying the extreme emotional distress and urgency of David's prayer. It suggests a prayer that is not merely spoken but passionately expressed, reflecting the depth of his anguish and his desperate need for divine intervention. Finally, the concluding declaration, "and he shall hear my voice," functions as a powerful **Declaration of Assurance**. This statement of confident faith, despite the preceding lament and turmoil, serves as a theological anchor, affirming God's faithfulness and responsiveness to His people's cries, thereby offering hope and stability in the face of chaos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:17 profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God is both accessible and attentive to the cries of His people, particularly in times of distress. David's disciplined commitment to prayer, expressed three times a day, highlights the importance of cultivating a consistent and fervent relationship with God, not merely as a ritual but as a vital lifeline. This practice reflects a deep theological conviction that prayer is not a monologue into the void, but a genuine dialogue with a personal and responsive God. It teaches that even when human relationships fail and betrayal cuts deep, the divine relationship remains steadfast, offering refuge and a hearing ear. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate trust and hope must be placed in God alone, who promises to listen and act on behalf of those who call upon Him in truth.

* [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel's Consistent Prayer Life")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "Pray Without Ceasing")
* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "The Lord Hears the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 55:17 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. In a world often characterized by busyness, distraction, and superficiality, David's commitment to praying "Evening, and morning, and at noon" calls us to cultivate a disciplined and habitual prayer life. This is not about rigid legalism but about intentionally carving out time to connect with God throughout our day, making communion with Him a priority rather than an afterthought. When we face betrayal, injustice, or overwhelming anxieties, this verse reminds us that our ultimate refuge is found not in human solutions or escape, but in consistently bringing our raw emotions and deepest needs before God. David's "cry aloud" teaches us that prayer can be fervent, honest, and even messy, reflecting the true state of our hearts. Most importantly, his confident declaration, "and he shall hear my voice," instills hope, assuring us that our prayers are never unheard, and that God, in His perfect timing and wisdom, will respond. This verse encourages us to move beyond sporadic prayers of desperation to a lifestyle of dependent, trusting, and persistent communication with our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's commitment to praying "Evening, and morning, and at noon" challenge my own prayer habits and priorities?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a more consistent and fervent prayer life, even amidst personal turmoil and daily demands?**
* **How does the assurance that "he shall hear my voice" strengthen my faith when I feel unheard, overwhelmed, or betrayed by others?**

### FAQ
**Why does David specify "Evening, and morning, and at noon" as times for prayer?**

Answer: David's specification of "Evening, and morning, and at noon" reflects a deep spiritual discipline and a practice that was common in ancient Jewish piety, though not yet formalized into rigid synagogue liturgy. These times often corresponded to significant daily events and sacrificial offerings in the Temple (morning and evening). By praying at these intervals, David was integrating his devotion into the very rhythm of his day, making prayer a continuous and foundational part of his life rather than an occasional act. This consistent practice underscored his constant reliance on God, much like Daniel, who also prayed three times a day ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel's Prayer Habits")). It emphasizes that true communion with God is a lifestyle of ongoing conversation and dependence, not just a crisis management tool.

**What does "cry aloud" imply about the nature of prayer in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "cry aloud" (from the Hebrew _hamah_) suggests a prayer that is not merely quiet meditation but a passionate, vocal, and emotionally intense outpouring of the heart. It conveys a sense of urgency, distress, and deep longing. In David's context, facing betrayal and overwhelming opposition, "crying aloud" indicates the profound depth of his anguish and his earnest, uninhibited plea for divine intervention. It demonstrates that prayer can be raw, honest, and even boisterous, reflecting the full spectrum of human emotion before a God who is compassionate and attentive to our deepest cries. It reminds us that authentic prayer is not always composed but often involves expressing our true feelings, even our pain and desperation, directly to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:17, with its emphasis on consistent and fervent prayer, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David's commitment to prayer was a testament to his personal piety, Jesus embodied perfect, unbroken communion with the Father. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus regularly withdrawing to pray, often "very early in the morning" ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Jesus Prays Early in the Morning")) or even spending "the whole night in prayer to God" ([Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Jesus Prays All Night")) before significant decisions or trials. His prayer life, marked by perfect obedience and profound intimacy, provides the ultimate example of what it means to pray without ceasing. Furthermore, David's confident declaration, "and he shall hear my voice," is fully realized in Christ, who is not only the perfect intercessor but also the one through whom we gain access to the Father. Because of Jesus' atoning sacrifice and His resurrection, believers now have confident access to God's throne of grace ([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 "groanings too deep for words" ([Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26 "The Spirit Intercedes for Us")), ensuring that our prayers, even when we "cry aloud" in our distress, are heard and presented according to God's will. Thus, David's hopeful expectation of being heard is fully and eternally secured for all who come to God through [Jesus, the great high priest](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Lives to Intercede").

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

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

Psalms 141:2

Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice.

Acts 3:1

¶ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].

Acts 10:9

¶ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Psalms 119:147

¶ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.