Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Psalms 3:4

Next

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

I cried {H7121} unto the LORD {H3068} with my voice {H6963}, and he heard {H6030} me out of his holy {H6944} hill {H2022}. Selah {H5542}.

With my voice I call out to ADONAI, and he answers me from his holy hill. (Selah)

To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah

I cry unto Jehovah with my voice, And he answereth me out of his holy hill. [Selah

Commentary

This verse captures a moment of profound trust and relief in the midst of distress. David, facing overwhelming opposition, declares his direct appeal to God and the certainty of being heard.

Context

Psalm 3 is attributed to David when he fled from his son Absalom (see 2 Samuel 15). This was a time of intense personal danger and political turmoil. David was outside Jerusalem, away from the physical location of God's dwelling (the tabernacle on Mount Zion), yet he confidently asserts that God heard his cry from that very place. This highlights that God's ability to hear and act is not limited by physical distance or human circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Prayer in Distress: The verse opens with David's direct and vocal appeal to God ("I cried unto the LORD with my voice"). It emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of trouble.
  • God Hears Prayer: The core message is the assurance that God not only hears but actively responds to the cries of His people ("and he heard me"). This provides comfort and strengthens faith.
  • God's Dwelling Place and Presence: "His holy hill" refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, the place where God's presence was uniquely manifested in the tabernacle and later the temple. Despite being physically separated from this place, David knows God's attention is fixed there, and His power extends from there.
  • Trust and Confidence: The statement "he heard me" is a declaration of past experience or present faith, demonstrating David's deep trust in God's attentiveness and faithfulness, even when surrounded by enemies (as described in the surrounding verses of Psalm 3).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "cried" is za'aq (זָעַק), which often implies a strong, urgent cry for help, particularly in distress or danger. The term "holy hill" (har qodsho, הַר קָדְשׁוֹ) specifically denotes Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The word "Selah" (סֶלָה) is a musical or liturgical notation found frequently in the Psalms. It typically indicates a pause for reflection, emphasis, or perhaps a musical interlude, prompting the reader or listener to ponder the preceding statement.

Reflection

This verse offers a powerful reminder that our prayers, even those cried out in our deepest distress, reach the ears of God. Like David, we may face circumstances that feel overwhelming or isolating, but the promise remains: the Lord hears His people. His "holy hill" represents His presence, His authority, and His readiness to act on our behalf. We can have confidence, just as David did, that when we call upon the LORD, He hears us from His heavenly dwelling place. The "Selah" invites us to pause and truly absorb this comforting truth: God is attentive, present, and responsive to our cries.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 34:4 (14 votes)

    I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

  • Psalms 91:15 (11 votes)

    He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

  • Isaiah 65:24 (10 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

  • Psalms 34:6 (8 votes)

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

  • Psalms 2:6 (6 votes)

    Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

  • Matthew 7:7 (6 votes)

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Psalms 43:3 (6 votes)

    O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.