Psalm 17:6

I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

Study Bible

I call on You, O God, for You will answer me.
This phrase reflects the psalmist's confidence in God's responsiveness to prayer. The act of calling on God is a recurring theme in the Psalms, emphasizing a personal relationship with the divine. The assurance that God will answer is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament. This confidence is echoed in other scriptures, such as Jeremiah 33:3, where God invites His people to call upon Him with the promise of revelation. The phrase also prefigures the New Testament teaching on prayer, where Jesus assures His followers in Matthew 7:7-8 that those who ask will receive.

Incline Your ear to me;
The imagery of God inclining His ear suggests a posture of attentiveness and care. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of inclining one's ear was a gesture of respect and willingness to listen. This anthropomorphic language helps convey the intimacy and accessibility of God, contrasting with the distant and impersonal deities of surrounding cultures. The request for God to incline His ear is a plea for divine attention and intervention, similar to Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:28-30, where he asks God to hear the prayers made in the temple.

hear my words.
The psalmist's plea for God to hear his words underscores the importance of verbal expression in prayer. In the biblical context, words are powerful and carry the weight of intention and emotion. This request is not just for God to listen but to act upon the psalmist's petitions. The emphasis on God hearing aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God as a responsive and compassionate listener, as seen in Exodus 2:24, where God hears the groaning of the Israelites in Egypt. This phrase also points to the intercessory role of Jesus Christ, who, as the Word made flesh, bridges the gap between humanity and God, ensuring that believers' prayers are heard and answered.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this Psalm, David is expressing his trust in God’s responsiveness to his prayers. He is often seen as a model of faith and reliance on God throughout the Psalms.

2. God
The central figure to whom David directs his prayer. God is portrayed as attentive and responsive to the cries of His people.

3. Prayer
The act of calling upon God, which is a central theme in this verse. It highlights the relationship between the believer and God.

Teaching Points

Confidence in Prayer
David’s assurance that God will answer encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He listens and responds.

God’s Attentiveness
The imagery of God inclining His ear suggests a personal and intimate attentiveness. Believers can trust that God is not distant but actively engaged in their lives.

Persistent Prayer
David’s example teaches the importance of persistence in prayer. Believers are encouraged to continually seek God, trusting in His timing and wisdom.

Faith in God’s Character
The verse underscores the importance of faith in God’s unchanging character. Believers can rely on His faithfulness and love.

Practical Dependence on God
This verse invites believers to make prayer a practical and regular part of their lives, relying on God for guidance, strength, and support.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David’s confidence in God’s response to his prayers challenge or encourage your own prayer life?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of God’s attentiveness in your daily life?

3. How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 34:15, 1 John 5:14-15, Jeremiah 29:12) reinforce the message of Psalm 17:6?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to make prayer a more consistent and meaningful part of your daily routine?

5. How does understanding God’s character as attentive and responsive impact your trust in Him during difficult times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 34:15
This verse speaks of the Lord's eyes being on the righteous and His ears attentive to their cry, reinforcing the idea of God’s responsiveness to prayer.

1 John 5:14-15
These verses assure believers that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, echoing the confidence David expresses in Psalm 17:6.

Jeremiah 29:12
This verse encourages believers to call upon God and promises that He will listen, similar to David’s assurance in this Psalm.