Psalm 116:2

2 Because he has inclined his ear to me, therefore will I call upon him while I live.

Psalm 116:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 116:2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me
Not as hard of hearing, for his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear; he is quick of hearing, and his ears are always open to the righteous; it rather denotes his readiness to hear; he hearkens and hears, he listens to what his people say, and hears them at once, and understands them, though ever so broken and confused; when their prayers are but like the chatterings of a crane or swallow, or only expressed in sighs and groans, and even without a voice; when nothing is articulately pronounced: moreover, this shows condescension in him; he bows his ear as a rattler to a child, he stoops as being above them, and inclines his ear to them.

Therefore will I call upon him as long as I live;
or "in my days" ^F4; in days of adversity and affliction, for help and relief; in days of prosperity, with thankfulness for favours received; every day I live, and several times a day: prayer should be constantly used; men should pray without ceasing always, and not faint; prayer is the first and last action of a spiritual life; it is the first thing a regenerate man does, "behold, he prays"; as soon as he is born again he prays, and continues praying all his days; and generally goes out of the world praying, as Stephen did, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit"; and it is the Lord's hearing prayer that encourages his people to keep on praying, and which makes the work delightful to them. Christ was often at this work in life, and died praying, ( Luke 6:12 ) ( 23:46 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 (ymyb) "in diebus meis", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator

Psalm 116:2 In-Context

1 I am well pleased, because the Lord will hearken to the voice of my supplication.

2 Because he has inclined his ear to me, therefore will I call upon him while I live.

3 The pangs of death compassed me; the dangers of hell found me: I found affliction and sorrow.

4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: O Lord, deliver my soul.

5 The Lord is merciful and righteous; yea, our God has pity.

6 The Lord preserves the simple: I was brought low, and he delivered me.

7 Return to thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee.

8 For he has delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I shall be well-pleasing before the Lord in the land of the living.

10 I believed, wherefore I have spoken: but I was greatly afflicted.

11 And I said in mine amazement, Every man is a liar.

12 What shall I render to the Lord for all the things wherein he has rewarded me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

14 I will pay my vows to the Lord, in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

16 O Lord, I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast burst by bonds asunder.

17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of praise, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

18 I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of thee, Jerusalem.