What does Psalms 55:1 mean?
"Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication." - Psalms 55:1

The verse Psalms 55:1 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication." This verse conveys the plea of the psalmist, asking God to listen to his prayers and not to ignore his supplications. It reflects the deep yearning of the psalmist's heart for God's presence and intervention in his life.
The Book of Psalms is a collection of poetic and lyrical expressions of faith, praise, and lamentation. These psalms were often used in worship and prayer in ancient Israel and are still widely used within Christian and Jewish traditions today. Psalms 55 is attributed to David and is categorized under the genre of "Psalm of Lament." This particular psalm expresses the psalmist's anguish and distress over betrayal and deceit from an enemy.
The verse begins with the plea for God to "give ear to my prayer". This phrase emphasizes the psalmist's urgent desire for God to attentively listen to his prayers. It reflects the human need for assurance and comfort in times of distress. The image of God "giving ear" to the psalmist's prayer also conveys the belief that God is present and accessible, willing to hear and respond to the cries of His people.
The following phrase, "hide not thyself from my supplication," further underscores the psalmist's desperation for God's presence and aid. The use of the word "hide" suggests a feeling of God's absence or distance, as if He is intentionally concealing Himself from the psalmist's plea. This conveys a deep sense of longing for God's attention and intervention in the midst of struggle and suffering.
The theme of divine abandonment and human suffering is a central aspect of this verse. The psalmist's cry for God's attention and his fear of God's hiddenness reflect the universal human experience of feeling abandoned and alone in times of trouble. This theme resonates with the deep emotional struggles and challenges that individuals face, expressing a deep longing for divine comfort and reassurance.
Symbolically, the act of "giving ear" and "hiding" in this verse can be interpreted as an invitation for God to be actively involved in the psalmist's situation. The metaphorical use of these terms emphasizes the close, personal nature of the psalmist's relationship with God, portraying Him as a listener and an intimate confidant. Additionally, the imagery of "hiding" adds a sense of urgency, as the psalmist desperately seeks God’s immediate presence and attention.
In its broader context, this verse reflects the complex dynamics of faith and doubt that often accompany human suffering. The psalmist's cry for God to "give ear" to his prayer signifies the unwavering faith and trust in God's ability to respond to his needs. At the same time, the plea for God not to "hide himself" conveys a moment of doubt and fear, as the psalmist grapples with the apparent absence of God's intervention.
In conclusion, Psalms 55:1 from the King James Version of the Bible encompasses rich themes of longing, distress, and the intimate relationship between humanity and divinity. The verse serves as a poignant expression of the complex emotions and struggles that individuals face, while also affirming the enduring hope and faith in God's presence and compassion. It resonates with the universal human experience of seeking solace and reassurance in the midst of adversity, inviting readers to find resonance and comfort in the timeless words of the psalmist's plea.
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Psalms 55:1 - "Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication."
"Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication." - Psalms 55:1
"I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." - Psalms 55:8
Psalms 55:13 - "But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance."
"Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me." - Psalms 55:5
"Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah." - Psalms 55:7
Psalms 55:8 - "I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest."
Psalms 55:7 - "Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah."
Psalms 55:5 - "Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me."
Psalms 55:16 - "As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me."
Psalms 55:11 - "Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets."
Psalms 55:10 - "Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it."
Psalms 55:4 - "My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me."
Psalms 55:14 - "We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
"Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;" - Psalms 55:2
Psalms 55:9 - "Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city."
Psalms 55:2 - "Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;"
Psalms 119:55 - "I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law."
Psalms 55:17 - "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."
Psalms 55:3 - "Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me."
Psalms 55:18 - "He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me."
Psalms 55:6 - "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest."
Psalms 55:20 - "He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant."
Psalms 78:55 - "He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents."
Psalms 55:19 - "God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God."
Psalms 55:15 - "Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them."
Psalms 55:22 - "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
"But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance." - Psalms 55:13
Psalms 55:21 - "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords."
"He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents." - Psalms 78:55