Psalms 116:2

2 He paid attention to me, so I will call to him for help as long as I live.

Psalms 116:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 116:2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me
Not as hard of hearing, for his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear; he is quick of hearing, and his ears are always open to the righteous; it rather denotes his readiness to hear; he hearkens and hears, he listens to what his people say, and hears them at once, and understands them, though ever so broken and confused; when their prayers are but like the chatterings of a crane or swallow, or only expressed in sighs and groans, and even without a voice; when nothing is articulately pronounced: moreover, this shows condescension in him; he bows his ear as a rattler to a child, he stoops as being above them, and inclines his ear to them.

Therefore will I call upon him as long as I live;
or "in my days" ^F4; in days of adversity and affliction, for help and relief; in days of prosperity, with thankfulness for favours received; every day I live, and several times a day: prayer should be constantly used; men should pray without ceasing always, and not faint; prayer is the first and last action of a spiritual life; it is the first thing a regenerate man does, "behold, he prays"; as soon as he is born again he prays, and continues praying all his days; and generally goes out of the world praying, as Stephen did, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit"; and it is the Lord's hearing prayer that encourages his people to keep on praying, and which makes the work delightful to them. Christ was often at this work in life, and died praying, ( Luke 6:12 ) ( 23:46 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 (ymyb) "in diebus meis", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator

Psalms 116:2 In-Context

1 I love the Lord, because he listens to my prayers for help.

2 He paid attention to me, so I will call to him for help as long as I live.

3 The ropes of death bound me, and the fear of the grave took hold of me. I was troubled and sad.

4 Then I called out the name of the Lord. I said, "Please, Lord, save me!"

5 The Lord is kind and does what is right; our God is merciful.