Psalms 55:17-18
Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not just about when David prayed, but the sheer frequency he emphasizes—morning, noon, and evening. This isn't just a polite nod to prayer; it’s an urgent, almost desperate pouring out of his heart, happening throughout the entire day, because he has absolute confidence that God is listening.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and betrayal, as the previous verses detail his anguish and fear. Here, he describes his persistent prayer life, mentioning the traditional Jewish times of prayer—evening, morning, and noon—as a way to show his unwavering commitment to calling out to God amidst his troubles. He expresses confidence that God hears him, even as the surrounding verses confirm his ongoing struggle and the need for divine intervention.
Life can feel overwhelming, with worries pressing in from every side. Where do you find space to breathe and connect with God in the midst of it all?
David's prayer isn't a one-off event; it's a pattern. He commits to praying three times a day: morning, noon, and evening.
Established Times
This wasn't just a personal preference; it reflected a Jewish custom rooted in the daily sacrifices offered in the Temple. Morning and evening sacrifices were commanded by God, and the midday prayer seems to have arisen from a natural piety and a recognition of God's constant presence.
Why Regular Times?
We might think spontaneous prayer is best, but David's example shows the value of structure. Having set times for prayer helps us:
When you're hurting, do you hold back, or do you let it all out? David doesn't sugarcoat his pain.
David's prayer is marked by raw honesty. He doesn't just 'pray'; he 'utters his complaint and moan.' This is a prayer of distress, of deep inner turmoil.
No Filter Prayer
He pours out his heart, his pain, his anxieties – 'complaint' and 'moan' suggest deep sorrow and anguish. This isn't about eloquent speeches; it's about genuine expression before God.
The Certainty of Being Heard
Understand the original words
siach · Hebrew Noun
An expression of deep distress, grief, or pain brought before God. In Scripture, it represents the honest pouring out of one's heart in prayer during times of trouble, trusting in God's presence.
padah · Hebrew Verb
To pay the price to set someone or something free, implying a transfer of ownership or rescue from slavery, judgment, or death. It often involves the payment of a ransom or the exercise of power on behalf of another.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The inner life, breath, or personality of a person, representing the whole self. It is the seat of human emotion, desire, and spiritual life, which is subject to God's care and judgment.
The Psalmist's plea, uttered at regular times throughout the day, resonates deeply when placed against the backdrop of exile. It speaks to the enduring human need for connection with God amidst profound suffering and loss, especially when one's world feels shattered.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David consolidates his rule over Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital. This period of relative stability under David and Solomon would later be contrasted with times of division and distress.
c. 975 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's reign, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to increased political instability and conflict.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many inhabitants and scattering them. This event served as a dire warning to Judah about the consequences of disobedience and political folly.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its temple, exiling a significant portion of the population to Babylon. This marked a profound crisis for the Jewish people and their faith.
This passage highlights Daniel's consistent prayer life, praying three times a day just as the Psalmist describes his own habit in Psalm 55:17. It shows this practice was a significant aspect of faithfulness for devout individuals.
Luke 11:5-8Jesus tells the parable of the persistent friend asking for bread, illustrating the power of importunate prayer. This echoes the Psalmist's resolve to 'cry aloud' and the assurance that God 'shall hear my voice,' emphasizing that consistent and fervent prayer is heard.
Acts 10:9-10Peter's experience of a vision at the 'about the sixth hour' (noon) shows a specific time of prayer that aligns with the 'at noon' mentioned in Psalms 55:17. It demonstrates that specific times of prayer were significant even in the early Church.
Psalm 119:164The Psalmist here declares, 'Seven times a day I praise you,' which parallels the consistent and frequent prayer life exemplified in Psalms 55:17. Both passages emphasize a deep commitment to constant communion with God.
clarkePsalms 55:17: "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray - This was the custom of the pious Hebrews. See Daniel 6:10 . The Hebrews began their day in the evening, and hence David mentions the evening first. The rabbins say, Men should pray three times each day, because the day changes three times. This was observed in the primitive Church; but the times, in different places, were various. The old Ps…
wesleyPsalms 55:17: "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."
55:17 Evening, and c. - The three stated times of prayer among the Jews.
It's not just about when David prayed, but the sheer frequency he emphasizes—morning, noon, and evening. This isn't just a polite nod to prayer; it’s an urgent, almost desperate pouring out of his heart, happening throughout the entire day, because he has absolute confidence that God is listening.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and betrayal, as the previous verses detail his anguish and fear. Here, he describes his persistent prayer life, mentioning the traditional Jewish times of prayer—evening, morning, and noon—as a way to show his unwavering commitment to calling out to God amidst his troubles. He expresses confidence that God hears him, even as the surrounding verses confirm his ongoing struggle and the need for divine intervention.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and betrayal, as the previous verses detail his anguish and fear. Here, he describes his persistent prayer life, mentioning the traditional Jewish times of prayer—evening, morning, and noon—as a way to show his unwavering commitment to calling out to God amidst his troubles. He expresses confidence that God hears him, even as the surrounding verses confirm his ongoing struggle and the need for divine intervention.
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And the incredible part? 'He hears my voice.' This isn't a hopeful maybe; it's a confident declaration. David knows God is not distant or indifferent. Even in his deepest pain, he is certain that God is listening and will respond.
During the Babylonian Exile (c. 586-538 BC)— this verse
Life in Exile
The exiled Judeans live in a foreign land, stripped of their homeland and religious center. This period would have been marked by immense hardship, grief, and longing for restoration, making Psalms 55 particularly poignant.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, allows the exiled Jews to return to Judah and rebuild their temple. While a time of hope, the challenges of rebuilding and re-establishing their community were significant.
"Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me." — It's not just about when David prayed, but the sheer frequency he emphasizes—morning, noon, and evening. This isn't just a polite nod to prayer; it’s an urgent, almost desperate pouring out of hi…
