Psalms 55:1

Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

Psalms 55:1 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 55 is an individual lament, a sorrowful prayer spoken by David during a time of deep distress. The opening verse sets the tone for the whole psalm, which describes betrayal by a close friend and the terrors that surround the psalmist. In the verses that follow, David speaks of his enemies, the oppression of the wicked, and his own fear and trembling. This urgent beginning shows that David is not calm or distant; he is desperate for God to act.

Meaning

The Hebrew poetry of this verse uses two parallel requests: “give ear” and “hide not thyself.” Together they express a single plea for God’s attentive presence. David asks God to listen, but he also asks God not to withdraw. The word “supplication” carries the sense of a humble, earnest request for mercy. It shows that David knows his own weakness and depends completely on God’s grace. He does not demand an answer; he pleads as one who needs help.

Biblical connections

This prayer finds its fullest answer in Christ, who also cried out to the Father in anguish, as seen in the Gospels. Jesus prayed with loud cries and tears, and the Father heard Him. For believers, this connection shows that honest, desperate prayer is not a lack of faith. It is the very way God’s people bring their burdens to Him.

Application

David’s example invites us to bring our raw emotions to God. We do not need to hide our fear, pain, or confusion. We can ask God to hear us and to remain near, even when He seems silent. This verse teaches us to pray with persistence and humility, trusting that God is both willing and able to respond.

Reflection

When you feel betrayed or overwhelmed, remember that God welcomes your cries. He does not turn away from the supplications of His people. Let this verse encourage you to pour out your heart to Him, confident that He will not hide Himself from your need.