Psalm 55:17-18
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easy to miss is that "Evening, morning, and at noon" isn't just about when David prays, but highlights the consistency of his distress. He's so overwhelmed that he's crying out to God continuously throughout the day, not just at the traditional times of Jewish prayer. Yet, even in this persistent agony, he holds onto the assurance, "he hears my voice."
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)
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and betrayal, possibly even from someone close. He expresses his anguish and his unwavering commitment to calling out to God at regular times throughout the day, trusting that God will hear him. This commitment to consistent prayer is set against the backdrop of his intense suffering and the unfaithfulness of those around him.
Did you know there were specific times devout people set aside for prayer in ancient Israel? It wasn't just whenever they felt like it!
In Psalm 55:17, David mentions praying "Evening, and morning, and at noon." This points to a practice common among the faithful in ancient Israel, with roots even in the patriarchal period and later solidified by the daily sacrifices in the Temple.
David doesn't just pray; he 'complains and moans.' What does this raw honesty in prayer reveal?
The phrase 'I utter my complaint and moan' isn't just about speaking words; it's about expressing the deep distress and anguish of the soul. David is being intensely honest before God, laying bare his pain and sorrow.
Ask a follow-up
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.
This verse points to the established Jewish practice of observing set times for prayer throughout the day, a custom rooted in the Abrahamic traditions and the Temple sacrifices, and continued by figures like Daniel and early Christians.
c. 1500 BC
Abrahamic Prayer Traditions
Tradition suggests Abraham established morning prayer, Isaac the midday prayer (minchah), and Jacob evening prayer, reflecting early Israelite devotion.
c. 966 BC
Solomonic Temple Inauguration
The dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem, where morning and evening sacrifices were permanently established, reinforcing these times for prayer.
c. 539 BC
Daniel's Exile in Babylon
Daniel, a prophet in exile, continues the practice of praying three times daily, even in a foreign land, demonstrating the custom's endurance.
c. 30 AD
Early Church Prayer Times
The Apostles Peter and John go to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (3 PM), indicating the continuation of Jewish prayer customs.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Peter's Midday Prayer
Peter goes up on the housetop about the sixth hour (noon) to pray, illustrating the practice of midday prayer.
This passage describes Daniel's consistent prayer life, praying three times a day, mirroring the practice mentioned in Psalms 55:17 and highlighting the faithfulness of persistent prayer.
Acts 10:9Peter's vision occurred at the 'about the ninth hour,' which was a traditional time for prayer, connecting to the 'noon' prayer time mentioned in the verse and illustrating God's communication during established prayer moments.
Luke 11:5Jesus tells the parable of the persistent friend knocking at midnight, which echoes the theme of importunity and continuous prayer that is assured of being heard, as found in Psalms 55:17.
Romans 12:12This verse exhorts believers to be 'joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer,' which resonates with the Psalmist's commitment to praying through his distress and trusting God's hearing.
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.
What's easy to miss is that "Evening, morning, and at noon" isn't just about when David prays, but highlights the consistency of his distress. He's so overwhelmed that he's crying out to God continuously throughout the day, not just at the traditional times of Jewish prayer. Yet, even in this persistent agony, he holds onto the assurance, "he hears my voice."
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and betrayal, possibly even from someone close. He expresses his anguish and his unwavering commitment to calling out to God at regular times throughout the day, trusting that God will hear him. This commitment to consistent prayer is set against the backdrop of his intense suffering and the unfaithfulness of those around him.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and betrayal, possibly even from someone close. He expresses his anguish and his unwavering commitment to calling out to God at regular times throughout the day, trusting that God will hear him. This commitment to consistent prayer is set against the backdrop of his intense suffering and the unfaithfulness of those around him.
"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." — What's easy to miss is that "Evening, morning, and at noon" isn't just about when David prays, but highlights the consistency of his distress. He's so overwhelmed that he's crying out to God cont…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
