Select Language
AaSelect font sizeDark ModeSet to dark mode
Browse by Book

Psalms 17:6 meaning

God listens to those who earnestly seek Him.

“I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.” (v.6)

David, who reigned as king over Israel around 1010-970 BC, addresses God with unshakeable confidence that his pleas will not go unheard. By declaring, “I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God,” he makes it clear that he expects divine response when he cries out in distress. In David’s day, to “call” on God was not simply an act of desperation but an expression of personal devotion to the One who reigns over all. This posture assumes that God’s lovingkindness toward His people ensures His nearness, something the Scriptures repeatedly affirm. He always hears the fervent prayers of His servants.

When David prays, “Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech,” he reveals a humble reliance on the Lord. He approaches God not as a distant force but as an intimate, caring Father who is ready to listen. This expectation of divine nearness foreshadows the New Testament teaching that “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). David’s example here encourages believers of every generation to approach God with sincerity, knowing that the Creator of the universe longs to receive the prayers of His people.

This verse also demonstrates how prayer is grounded in trust. David’s unwavering assurance that the Lord will bend down to hear him reminds us that calling on God is never in vain. We likewise can rest in the knowledge that the Lord responds to the genuine cries of His children, just as He responded to David’s supplications throughout his life.

Psalms 17:6