Psalm 28:6

Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy.

Study Bible

Blessed be the LORD
This phrase is a declaration of praise and gratitude towards God. In the Hebrew context, "blessed" (barak) often implies kneeling in adoration. The psalmist acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. This expression of blessing is common in the Psalms, reflecting a heart of worship and reverence. It echoes the sentiment found in other scriptures, such as Psalm 103:1, where David calls on his soul to bless the Lord. The act of blessing God is a response to His faithfulness and acts of deliverance.

for He has heard
The assurance that God hears prayers is a central theme in the Psalms. This phrase indicates a personal relationship between the psalmist and God, where communication is both possible and effective. In the ancient Near Eastern context, many deities were perceived as distant or indifferent, but the God of Israel is portrayed as attentive and responsive. This assurance is echoed in 1 John 5:14-15, which speaks of the confidence believers have in approaching God, knowing He hears them.

my cry for mercy
The psalmist's cry for mercy suggests a plea for God's compassion and intervention. In the biblical narrative, mercy (chesed) is a fundamental attribute of God, often associated with His covenantal love and faithfulness. The cry for mercy acknowledges human need and dependence on divine grace. This plea is reminiscent of other biblical figures, such as the blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:47, who cried out to Jesus for mercy, recognizing Him as the Son of David. The request for mercy underscores the psalmist's humility and trust in God's character.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing gratitude to God for hearing his plea for mercy. His life was marked by moments of deep distress and reliance on God.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. In this verse, He is praised for His responsiveness to prayer.

3. Cry for Mercy
This refers to David's earnest prayer and plea for God's intervention and compassion in his time of need.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Hearing Prayer
God is attentive to the cries of His people. Just as He heard David, He hears us today when we call upon Him in sincerity and truth.

The Importance of Praise
David's response to answered prayer is immediate praise. We should cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God's hand in our lives and responding with worship.

Confidence in God's Mercy
Understanding God's merciful nature encourages us to approach Him with our needs, trusting that He is both willing and able to respond.

The Role of Personal Experience in Faith
David's personal experience of God's deliverance strengthens his faith. Reflecting on past experiences of God's faithfulness can bolster our trust in Him during current trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the character of God as described in Exodus 34:6-7 enhance our confidence in prayer?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart of gratitude similar to David's response in Psalm 28:6?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy in your life. How did that experience impact your faith journey?

4. How can the assurance found in 1 John 5:14-15 influence the way you approach God with your requests?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that praise and thanksgiving are integral parts of your prayer life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 116:1-2
This passage also speaks of God hearing the psalmist's voice and supplications, reinforcing the theme of God's attentiveness to prayer.

1 John 5:14-15
These verses assure believers that if we ask anything according to God's will, He hears us, echoing the confidence David expresses in Psalm 28:6.

Exodus 34:6-7
This passage describes God's merciful and gracious nature, which is the foundation for David's confidence in God's response to his cry for mercy.