May my prayer come before You;This phrase reflects a deep yearning for God's attention and presence. In the context of ancient Israel, prayer was a vital part of worship and communication with God, often conducted in the temple or during personal devotion. The psalmist's plea for his prayer to "come before" God suggests a desire for divine favor and acceptance, reminiscent of the incense offerings in the temple that symbolized prayers rising to God (
Exodus 30:8,
Psalm 141:2). This imagery underscores the importance of sincerity and humility in approaching God, as seen in the prayers of figures like Daniel (
Daniel 9:17-19) and Hannah (
1 Samuel 1:10-15).
incline Your ear to my cry.
The request for God to "incline Your ear" is a metaphorical expression asking for God's attentive listening and compassionate response. This language is common in the Psalms, where the psalmists often appeal to God's mercy and readiness to hear the cries of His people (Psalm 17:6,Psalm 31:2). The term "cry" indicates a sense of urgency and distress, reflecting the psalmist's dire circumstances. This plea echoes the cries of the Israelites in Egypt, which God heard and responded to with deliverance (Exodus 2:23-25). It also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's attentive care in Jesus Christ, who is portrayed as the compassionate High Priest, always interceding for believers (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Sons of KorahThis psalm is attributed to the Sons of Korah, a group of Levitical singers in the temple. They are known for their deep and often somber psalms.
2.
Heman the EzrahiteTraditionally considered the author of
Psalm 88, Heman was a wise man and a musician in the time of King David, known for his wisdom and musical contributions to temple worship.
3.
The TempleThe setting for many of the psalms, including those by the Sons of Korah, is the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites.
4.
PrayerThe act of communicating with God, which is central to this verse, emphasizing the psalmist's earnest plea for God's attention.
5.
CryRepresents the deep emotional distress and earnestness in the psalmist's prayer, seeking God's intervention and presence.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Persistent PrayerThe psalmist's plea for his prayer to come before God highlights the importance of persistence in prayer, even when circumstances seem dire.
God's Attentive EarThe request for God to "incline Your ear" reminds us that God is attentive and compassionate, ready to listen to the cries of His people.
Expressing Deep Emotions to GodThe psalmist's cry shows that it is acceptable to bring our deepest emotions and struggles before God, trusting in His understanding and care.
Faith in God's Presence Amidst SilenceEven when God seems silent, the act of praying and crying out to Him is an expression of faith in His presence and eventual response.
Community in Worship and LamentThe involvement of the Sons of Korah suggests the value of community in both worship and lament, encouraging believers to support one another in prayer.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 88:2?
2.How can Psalm 88:2 guide our daily prayer life and persistence in prayer?
3.What does "let my prayer come before You" teach about God's accessibility?
4.How does Psalm 88:2 relate to Jesus' teachings on prayer in Matthew 7:7?
5.In what ways can we ensure our prayers align with God's will?
6.How can Psalm 88:2 encourage us during times of spiritual darkness or despair?
7.How does Psalm 88:2 reflect the theme of unanswered prayer in the Bible?
8.What historical context might have influenced the writing of Psalm 88:2?
9.How does Psalm 88:2 challenge the belief in a responsive God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 88?
11.What does 'incline your ear' mean?
12.What does "incline your ear" mean?
13.Why does Psalm 88 present unrelenting despair without any expression of hope, seeming to contradict other passages that emphasize God's deliverance (Psalm 88:1-3)?
14.(Psalm 65:2) If God truly hears all prayers, why do so many sincere requests remain unanswered?What Does Psalm 88:2 Mean
May my prayer come before You- The psalmist believes his words truly reach the living God, not symbolically but in fact (Psalm 65:2).
- “Come before” pictures prayer entering God’s throne room, just as incense rises inPsalm 141:2 andRevelation 8:3-4.
- The confidence echoesHebrews 4:16, where believers are urged to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” andEphesians 2:18, which states that “through Him we both have access to the Father.”
- This line teaches:
• God is personally accessible.
• Prayer is welcomed because of His covenant love (Psalm 89:3-4).
• We are invited to speak honestly, even from the depths of distress (Psalm 88:3-7).
incline Your ear to my cry- “Incline” pictures the Almighty bending down to listen—an act of tender condescension seen inPsalm 17:6 andPsalm 40:1.
- The word “cry” shows raw urgency; the psalmist is not reciting liturgy but pleading for rescue (Psalm 18:6).
- Other passages reinforce God’s attentive ear:Isaiah 59:1 (“His ear is not too dull to hear”),1 Peter 3:12 (“the ears of the Lord are toward the righteous”), and1 Peter 5:7 (“He cares for you”).
- This line teaches:
• God responds to heartfelt desperation, not merely polished phrases.
• Even when circumstances remain dark—as they do throughoutPsalm 88—He is still the nearest helper (Psalm 34:18).
• Persistent, faith-filled crying out is a mark of trust, not doubt (Luke 18:7-8).
summaryPsalm 88:2 models a believer who knows his petitions truly reach God and that God willingly bends down to hear. One half stresses confident access; the other, God’s compassionate attention. Together they invite us to pray frankly and expectantly, convinced that the Lord both hears and cares.
Verse 2. -
Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry (comp.
Psalm 86:1, 6).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
May my prayerתְּפִלָּתִ֑י(tə·p̄il·lā·ṯî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8605:Intercession, supplication, a hymncomeתָּב֣וֹא(tā·ḇō·w)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gobefore You;לְ֭פָנֶיךָ(lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The faceinclineהַטֵּֽה־(haṭ·ṭêh-)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendYour earאָ֝זְנְךָ֗(’ā·zə·nə·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 241:Broadness, the earto my cry.לְרִנָּתִֽי׃(lə·rin·nā·ṯî)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7440:A creaking, shout
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 88:2 Let my prayer enter into your presence (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
