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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 55:1-8

In these verses we have, I. David praying. Prayer is a salve for every sore and a relief to the spirit under every burden: Give ear to my prayer, O God! Ps. 55:1, 2. He does not set down the petitions he offered up to God in his distress, but begs that God would hear the prayers which, at every period, his heart lifted up to God, and grant an answer of peace to them: Attend to me, hear me. Saul would not hear his petitions; his other enemies regarded not his pleas; but, ?Lord, be thou pleased... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 55:1

Give ear to my prayer, O God ,.... Which was for that which is just and right, and equitable to be given, as the word F14 תפלתי "orationem meam", i.e. "secundum judicium"; so Arana. used signifies; being promised in the covenant of grace, ratified and confirmed by the blood of Christ, Not only David was a man much given to prayer, as well as was the sweet psalmist of Israel; but the Messiah, as man, was much and often engaged in this work, in the days of his flesh, Luke 6:12 ; ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:1

Give ear to my prayer - The frequency of such petitions shows the great earnestness of David's soul. If God did not hear and help, he knew he could not succeed elsewhere; therefore he continues to knock at the gate of God's mercy. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 55:1

Verse 1 1.Give ear to my prayer, O God! From the language with which the psalm opens, we may conclude that David at this time was laboring under heavy distress. It could be no ordinary amount of it which produced such an overwhelming effect upon a saint of his distinguished courage. The translation which has been given of אריד, arid, I will prevail, does violence to the context, for, so far from boasting of the fortitude which would govern his address, he is anxious to convey an impression of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:1

Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication (comp. Psalms 54:2 ; and, for the second clause, see Psalms 13:1 ; Psalms 27:8 ; Psalms 69:17 ; Psalms 89:46 , etc.). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:1

The godly man in three aspects. "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." David felt this. Often had he been in trouble, but never perhaps had he been brought so low before. Evils dreaded had become realities. The dark clouds, long gathering, had now burst over him in furious tempest. Absalom, his dearly loved son, has risen in revolt, and multitudes flock to his standard. Even old companions in arms desert, and the very friend most trusted turns traitor. It was a terrible time. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 55:1-8

The true and the false way of encountering the difficulties of life. Sorrow, danger, and terror had come upon the psalmist with the force of a tempest. He thinks of two ways of escape—casting himself upon God and flight. Suggests the true and the false way of encountering the difficulties of life. I. TAKE THE FALSE FIRST . "Oh that I had wings," etc.! ( Psalms 55:6-8 ). W e must conquer difficulties , not fly from them : 1 . Because the post of difficulty is often... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 55:1

Give ear to my prayer - See the notes at Psalms 5:1; Psalms 17:6. This is the language of earnestness. The psalmist was in deep affliction, and he pleaded, therefore, that God would not turn away from him in his troubles.And hide not thyself from my supplication - That is, Do not withdraw thyself, or render thyself inaccessible to my prayer. Do not so conceal thyself that I may not have the privilege of approaching thee. Compare the notes at Isaiah 1:15. See also Ezekiel 22:26; Proverbs 28:27;... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 55:1-3

Psalms 55:1-3. Hide not thyself from my supplication Either as one unconcerned and not regarding it, or as one displeased, and resolved not to hear nor help. I mourn and make a noise I cannot forbear such sighs and groans, and other expressions of grief, as discover it to those about me. The word ואהימה , veahimah, here rendered and make a noise, is translated by Chandler, and am in the greatest consternation. He was brought into such immediate danger, as that he scarcely knew what... read more

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