Psalms 116:2

"I love the LORD, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy."

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, the act of prayer was deeply intertwined with one's relationship with God. The psalmist expresses a profound love for the Lord because he has heard and answered his prayers. For the original audience, this would have underscored the importance of vocal devotion and the responsiveness of God to human cries for help, reinforcing the belief that faithful petitioning leads to divine intervention.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me -See the notes atPsalms 5:1. Because he has been gracious to me, and has heard my prayers. This is a pood reason for serving God, or for devoting ourselves to him, but it is not the only reason. We ought to worship and serve God whether he hears our prayers or not; whether he sends joy or sorrow; whether we are favored with prosperity, or are sunk in deep affliction. People have worshipped God even when they have had no evidence that he heard their prayers; and some of the most pure acts of devotion on earth are those which come from the very depths of darkness and sorrow.

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