Bible Verse Commentary: Psalms 102:1

Psalms 102:1 - "Hear my prayer, O LORD; and let my cry come unto thee."

This poignant verse from the Book of Psalms expresses the heartfelt desire of the psalmist for God to listen to his desperate prayer. It signifies a moment of deep longing for divine attention and response during a time of distress.

Interpretation and Understanding

Various biblical commentators provide profound insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of prayer, noting that it is vital for the believer to seek God's ear, especially in times of trouble. He highlights that this appeal to God signifies the psalmist's recognition of his own helplessness and the necessity of divine intervention.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes points out that this verse reflects the urgency of the psalmist’s cry. The language suggests a deep sense of emotional and spiritual anguish. Barnes further suggests that the phrase "let my cry come unto thee" indicates a plea for God’s immediate attention.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke draws attention to the specific words used, asserting that the "cry" serves to illustrate the fervency of the psalmist's appeal. He also interprets the verse as depicting the believer's need for comfort and assurance from God in their suffering.

Biblical Exegesis

From a broader perspective, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of communication with God through prayer. It reflects the human condition—filled with sorrow and need, reaching out for the divine. The psalmist’s request is not only for God's hearing but also for His responsiveness to individual struggles, which resonates with believers facing trials today.

Application in Bible Study

The exploration of Psalms 102:1 can be particularly beneficial in Bible study groups and online Bible study sessions. Here are a few Bible study insights that can be derived:

• Understanding how to interpret Bible verses in the context of personal struggles.
• Discussing the significance of prayer in the lifecycle of faith.
• Engaging in reflections on the nature of God as attentive to our needs.

Related Scripture References

This verse has connections with several other biblical passages that reflect on prayer and divine support:

• Psalms 34:17: "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." This illustrates God's promise to hear the prayers of those in need.
• Psalms 145:18: "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." This reinforces the proximity of God to those who earnestly seek Him.
• Matthew 7:7: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." This New Testament verse further emphasizes the power of seeking God in prayer.

Conclusion

Psalms 102:1 may appear simple at first glance, but it encapsulates the profound need for connection with God. Each commentary sheds light on the psalmist’s emotional state and illustrates poignant truths about prayer that resonate with both ancient and contemporary believers alike. Through Bible verse meanings and interpretations, we gain deeper understanding and appreciation of Scripture.

As we engage with this verse, it encourages us to reflect on our own prayers and the ways we seek God's presence in our lives today.