Psalm 55:1

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

Study Bible

For the choirmaster.
This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in organizing and leading the musical aspects of worship, which were an integral part of Israelite religious life. This highlights the communal aspect of the psalm, suggesting it was not only a personal lament but also a shared expression of faith and reliance on God.

With stringed instruments.
The use of stringed instruments suggests a specific musical accompaniment, which was common in Hebrew worship. Instruments like the harp and lyre were often used in temple music, adding a rich auditory dimension to the worship experience. This detail underscores the importance of music in expressing the emotional depth of the psalm, enhancing the prayerful and meditative quality of the text.

A Maskil of David.
The term "Maskil" is thought to refer to a type of psalm that imparts wisdom or instruction. David, the attributed author, was not only a king but also a skilled musician and poet. His life experiences, including his trials and triumphs, provide a backdrop for the psalm's themes of distress and trust in God. This designation suggests that the psalm is meant to teach or enlighten the reader, offering insights into dealing with adversity through faith.

Listen to my prayer, O God,
This plea for God to listen reflects a deep sense of urgency and desperation. It is a common motif in the Psalms, where the psalmist often cries out for divine attention and intervention. The request for God to "listen" implies a belief in a personal and responsive deity who is capable of hearing and acting upon the prayers of His people. This phrase connects to other scriptures where God is depicted as attentive to the cries of the righteous, such as Psalm 34:15.

and do not ignore my plea.
The psalmist's request for God not to ignore his plea highlights a fear of divine silence or absence, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms. This reflects the human experience of feeling abandoned or unheard in times of trouble. The plea underscores the psalmist's reliance on God's presence and intervention. It also points to the faith that God is just and will ultimately respond, a belief echoed in passages like Isaiah 59:1, which assures that God's ear is not too dull to hear.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his deep distress and seeking God's intervention.

2. God
The recipient of David's prayer, highlighting the personal relationship and trust David places in God.

3. Enemies
Though not explicitly mentioned in verse 1, the context of the psalm involves adversaries causing David distress.

4. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the setting of many of David's psalms, including this one, is often Jerusalem, the city of David.

5. Prayer
The act of communicating with God, which is central to this verse as David seeks divine attention and mercy.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Prayer
David's immediate response to distress is to pray. This teaches us the importance of turning to God first in our times of need.

God's Attentiveness
The plea for God not to ignore his prayer reflects a belief in God's attentiveness and willingness to listen, encouraging us to trust in God's responsiveness.

Seeking Mercy
David's request for mercy highlights the need for humility and recognition of our dependence on God's grace.

Expressing Emotions to God
David's candid expression of his feelings demonstrates that we can bring our raw emotions and concerns to God in prayer.

Faith in God's Deliverance
The underlying faith in God's ability to deliver and provide relief is a reminder to maintain hope and trust in God's power and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's approach to prayer in Psalm 55:1 inspire you to communicate with God in your own life?

2. In what ways can you relate to David's plea for mercy, and how does this shape your understanding of God's character?

3. How do the additional scriptures connected to Psalm 55:1 reinforce the importance of prayer in the life of a believer?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that prayer becomes your first response in times of distress?

5. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's attentiveness and willingness to listen to your prayers, as demonstrated by David in this psalm?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 4:1
Similar to Psalm 55:1, David calls upon God to hear his prayer, emphasizing the theme of seeking divine attention in times of distress.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer, paralleling David's approach in Psalm 55:1.

1 Peter 5:7
Invites believers to cast their anxieties on God, reflecting David's plea for mercy and divine intervention.

Hebrews 4:16
Encourages approaching God's throne of grace with confidence, similar to David's bold request for God to listen.

Matthew 11:28
Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him, echoing David's seeking of relief and mercy from God.