Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call;
This phrase reflects a deep personal plea for God's attention and intervention. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be David, often found himself in situations requiring divine assistance. The act of calling upon the Lord is a recurring theme in the Psalms, emphasizing the importance of prayer and reliance on God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, calling upon the Lord was an expression of faith and trust in God's covenant promises. This plea can be connected to other scriptures such as Psalm 18:6, where David calls upon the Lord in distress, and God hears him. It also echoes the cry of the Israelites in Exodus 2:23-25, where God hears their groaning and remembers His covenant.

be merciful and answer me.
The request for mercy highlights the psalmist's awareness of human frailty and the need for God's grace. Mercy, in the biblical sense, involves God's compassion and forgiveness, often extended to those who are undeserving. This plea for mercy is a recognition of God's sovereignty and the psalmist's dependence on divine favor. The concept of mercy is central to the character of God as revealed throughout the Bible, notably in Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes Himself as merciful and gracious. The request for an answer signifies the psalmist's expectation of a response, reflecting a relationship with God that is both personal and interactive. This expectation is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies God's mercy and provides a direct line of communication with the Father, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, where believers are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 27, David is expressing a personal plea to God, reflecting his deep reliance on divine intervention and mercy.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. David is calling upon Yahweh, highlighting a personal relationship with God.

3. Prayer
The act of calling upon God, which is central to this verse. It reflects a moment of seeking divine attention and intervention.The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is a vital communication channel with God. David's example shows us the importance of calling upon the Lord in times of need.

God's Mercy
David's plea for mercy reminds us that we rely on God's grace, not our own merit. We should approach God with humility, recognizing our need for His compassion.

Confidence in God's Response
David's request for God to hear and answer reflects a deep trust in God's faithfulness. We can be confident that God listens to our prayers and responds according to His will.

Personal Relationship with God
The use of "my voice" indicates a personal relationship with God. We are encouraged to cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with Him through regular prayer.

Seeking God's Presence
David's earnest plea is a model for seeking God's presence in our lives. We should prioritize time with God, seeking His guidance and comfort.(7) The change of tone so marked here, from the warlike to the plaintive, leads to the supposition that Psalm 27:7-12 are interpolated from another song of quite another kind in contents, art, and period.

I cry with my voice--i.e., aloud.

Verses 7-14. - The strain now entirely changes. The rhythm alters from a jubilant double beat to a slow and mournful cadence. A cry is raised for mercy and pity - the wrath of God is deprecated - rejection and desertion are contemplated and prayed against (vers. 7-10). The danger from the enemy appears great and formidable (vers. 11, 12). With an effort of faith, the writer just saves himself from despair (ver. 14), and then, in brave words, braces himself up for further endurance. Verse 7. - Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. There is no "when" in the original. The clauses are short, and broken, "Hear, O Lord; with my voice I call; pity me, and answer me."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hear,
שְׁמַע־ (šə·ma‘-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

O LORD,
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

my voice
קוֹלִ֥י (qō·w·lî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

when I call;
אֶקְרָ֗א (’eq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

be merciful
וְחָנֵּ֥נִי (wə·ḥān·nê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

and answer me.
וַעֲנֵֽנִי׃ (wa·‘ă·nê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


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OT Poetry: Psalm 27:7 Hear Yahweh when I cry with my (Psalm Ps Psa.)