Psalms 143:7 - Verse Meaning and Interpretation

Psalms 143:7 states: "Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness."

Summary of Meaning

This verse expresses a deep yearning for God's attention and assistance. The Psalmist appeals to God's listening nature, emphasizing his reliance on divine faithfulness and righteousness in his desperate situation. It reflects a profound moment of prayer, where the believer seeks comfort and resolution from God in times of distress.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry illustrates the urgency of the plea for God's attention, indicating that it is not merely a request but a longing for a direct response. He highlights the importance of God's faithfulness, as it assures the believer that their cries are not in vain.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes points out that this plea reveals the believer's humility, acknowledging their need for divine support. The reference to "faithfulness" suggests a reminder of God's past mercies, encouraging the faithful to trust in God's character.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke emphasizes that the Psalmist's cry for help indicates a crisis, possibly of sin or oppression. The mention of God's "righteousness" calls attention to His justice, inviting reflection on the hope for mercy in the face of human failings.

Cross-References

This verse can be linked to several other scriptural passages that enrich its meaning:

• Psalm 61:1-2 - "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer."
• Isaiah 65:24 - "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."
• Jeremiah 29:12 - "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you."
• 1 John 5:14 - "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."
• Psalm 34:15 - "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry."
• Psalm 50:15 - "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."
• Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Thematic Connections

This verse may also be viewed through various thematic biblical lenses:

• The theme of Prayer: Psalms 143:7 emphasizes the essential Christian practice of prayer, paralleling passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing."
• Reliance on God's Faithfulness: Similar to Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of God's mercies being new every morning.
• Divine Justice and Righteousness: Links with Romans 3:26 where God’s righteousness is emphasized in the context of salvation.

Conclusion

Psalms 143:7 encapsulates a heartfelt plea for divine intervention. It serves as a reminder of the relationship between prayer and reliance on God's unwavering faithfulness and righteousness. This verse encourages believers to appeal to God from a place of sincerity, reflecting a timeless truth found throughout the Bible concerning the nature of prayer and the Divine's responsiveness.

Exploring Cross-References in Studying Psalms 143:7

For those interested in a deeper exploration of cross-references, using tools like a bible concordance or a bible cross-reference guide can greatly enhance your understanding. Methods like cross-referencing Bible study can show connections between themes and teachings across both the Old and New Testaments.