God intimately hears us, so we can confidently call upon Him for all our days.
“Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” (v.2) The psalmist proclaims a confidence that the LORD is paying close attention to his pleas. The expression “inclined His ear” pictures a powerful figure bending down to hear the humble request of someone in need. In the ancient world, to have a king stoop low to listen signified favor and personal involvement in the subject’s plight. By using this phrase, the psalmist shows that the God of all creation tenderly hears him and draws near (v.2). Elsewhere in scripture, this humble posture of calling on the Lord signals repentance and an acknowledgment that we rely upon God’s mercy rather than our own strength.The second half of this verse underscores the psalmist’s intention to keep turning to the LORD for the rest of his days on earth. Because God is deeply compassionate, the psalmist pledges to “call upon Him as long as I live,” an ongoing vow of trust that is not merely a onetime cry for help. This enduring devotion resonates throughout Psalm 116, where the psalmist describes the many ways God delivers from distress and remains ever-faithful to those who seek Him. In calling upon the LORD continually, the psalmist responds to God’s intimate care with a life committed to prayer and praise.
By linking God’s attentive ear to an ongoing prayerful relationship, Psalm 116:2 highlights that the LORD’s kindness to His people extends beyond momentary rescue into a permanent relationship. It is a partnership where God graciously listens, and His children do not need to hesitate to approach Him daily for all of life’s needs. In turn, believers who experience God’s faithfulness find ever-deepening reasons to “call upon Him” and abide in His loving presence.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 116:2 meaning
“Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” (v.2) The psalmist proclaims a confidence that the LORD is paying close attention to his pleas. The expression “inclined His ear” pictures a powerful figure bending down to hear the humble request of someone in need. In the ancient world, to have a king stoop low to listen signified favor and personal involvement in the subject’s plight. By using this phrase, the psalmist shows that the God of all creation tenderly hears him and draws near (v.2). Elsewhere in scripture, this humble posture of calling on the Lord signals repentance and an acknowledgment that we rely upon God’s mercy rather than our own strength.The second half of this verse underscores the psalmist’s intention to keep turning to the LORD for the rest of his days on earth. Because God is deeply compassionate, the psalmist pledges to “call upon Him as long as I live,” an ongoing vow of trust that is not merely a onetime cry for help. This enduring devotion resonates throughout Psalm 116, where the psalmist describes the many ways God delivers from distress and remains ever-faithful to those who seek Him. In calling upon the LORD continually, the psalmist responds to God’s intimate care with a life committed to prayer and praise.
By linking God’s attentive ear to an ongoing prayerful relationship, Psalm 116:2 highlights that the LORD’s kindness to His people extends beyond momentary rescue into a permanent relationship. It is a partnership where God graciously listens, and His children do not need to hesitate to approach Him daily for all of life’s needs. In turn, believers who experience God’s faithfulness find ever-deepening reasons to “call upon Him” and abide in His loving presence.