O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that God's nature is intrinsically linked to hearing prayer, not just as an occasional act, but as a defining characteristic. This attribute isn't just for a select few, but extends the invitation to "all flesh"—every human being—to approach Him, implying that He is the universal resource for all of humanity's needs.
O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm opens with praise waiting for God, a vow about to be fulfilled. This sets the stage for addressing God as the one who hears prayer, leading to the declaration that all humanity will eventually come to Him. The psalm then transitions to acknowledging human sinfulness as a barrier, only to find assurance in God's power to forgive and purify.
Imagine a God who is defined by His willingness to listen. This verse isn't just saying God hears prayer sometimes; it's declaring it as His very essence.
This psalm opens with a profound declaration about God's character: "O you who hear prayer." This isn't a casual observation; it's a foundational truth.
God's Essential Nature
The psalm doesn't stop at God's nature; it extends an open invitation. Who is included? And what does it mean for 'all flesh' to come?
The second part of the verse, "unto thee shall all flesh come," expands our understanding of God's reach and intention. It speaks of a universal calling and a profound need that only God can meet.
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A Universal Calling
Understand the original words
tephillah · Hebrew Noun
A petition or request addressed to God, reflecting the relationship between the Creator and the creature who depends on Him for help, guidance, or forgiveness.
basar · Hebrew Noun
A term often denoting humanity in its frailty, mortality, and dependence upon God, contrasting human weakness with divine sovereignty.
This psalm's powerful declaration that 'all flesh shall come' to the 'Hearer of prayer' wasn't just a hope for ancient Israel; it was a prophecy pointing towards the universal reach of God's grace through Christ, opening the door for people of every nation to approach Him.
c. 1000 BC - 500 BC
Composition of the Psalms
The Book of Psalms, a collection of Hebrew worship songs and poems, was compiled over several centuries. This specific psalm likely reflects the worship practices and theological understanding of ancient Israel.
c. 960 BC
Dedication of Solomon's Temple
Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem became the central place of worship for Israel. It was a focal point for prayer and sacrifice, signifying God's presence among His people.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria, leading to the exile of many inhabitants. This event highlighted the consequences of disobedience and the reliance on God's mercy.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Southern Kingdom
The southern kingdom of Judah, including Jerusalem and the Temple, was destroyed by the Babylonians. This was a profound crisis for Israel, emphasizing their need for God's intervention and forgiveness.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, allowing many exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked a new era of worship and hope for the people of God.
1st century AD
Early Christian Missions
The Gospel began to spread beyond Jewish people to the Gentiles, fulfilling the prophetic hope that 'all flesh' would come to God through Christ.
c. AD 64— this verse
New Testament Period
The New Testament writings, including the New Testament's understanding of prayer and access to God through Jesus Christ, solidified the idea that 'all flesh' could come to God.
This passage echoes Psalm 65:2 by envisioning a future where God's house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, highlighting the universal scope of God's invitation to approach Him.
Jeremiah 33:3This verse directly connects to the 'hearer of prayer' aspect of Psalm 65:2, promising that God will answer those who cry out to Him and reveal great and hidden things, encouraging earnest prayer.
Romans 10:13This New Testament passage reinforces the universality of coming to God by stating that 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,' directly reflecting the 'all flesh shall come' idea in Psalm 65:2.
John 4:23-24Jesus explains to the Samaritan woman that true worship is not confined to a specific place but is offered in spirit and truth, expanding on the universal call to prayer and worship presented in Psalm 65:2.
1 Peter 3:12This verse assures believers that the Lord's ears are open to their righteous prayers, directly supporting the attribute of God as a 'hearer of prayer' mentioned in Psalm 65:2 and emphasizing the efficacy of prayer.
barnesPsalms 65:2: "O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come."
O thou that hearest prayer - Who hast revealed thyself as a God hearing prayer - one of the leading characteristics of whose nature it is that thou dost hear prayer. Literally, "Hearer of prayer, to thee shall all flesh come." Nothing as applied even to God is more sublime and beautiful than the appellative "Hearer of prayer." Nothing in his attributes is of more interest and importance to man. Nothing more indicates his…
calvinPsalms 65:1-3: "<and Song of David.>> Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed."
- Praise waiteth [445] for thee, O Lord! in Zion; and unto thee shall the vow be performed. 2. O thou that hearest prayer! unto thee shall all flesh come. 3. Words of iniquity have prevailed against me: our transgressions thou shalt purge them away. [446]
1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God! in Zion Literally it runs, Praise is silent to thee, but the verb dmyh, dumiyah, has…
The verse highlights that God's nature is intrinsically linked to hearing prayer, not just as an occasional act, but as a defining characteristic. This attribute isn't just for a select few, but extends the invitation to "all flesh"—every human being—to approach Him, implying that He is the universal resource for all of humanity's needs.
The psalm opens with praise waiting for God, a vow about to be fulfilled. This sets the stage for addressing God as the one who hears prayer, leading to the declaration that all humanity will eventually come to Him. The psalm then transitions to acknowledging human sinfulness as a barrier, only to find assurance in God's power to forgive and purify.
The psalm opens with praise waiting for God, a vow about to be fulfilled. This sets the stage for addressing God as the one who hears prayer, leading to the declaration that all humanity will eventually come to Him. The psalm then transitions to acknowledging human sinfulness as a barrier, only to find assurance in God's power to forgive and purify.
"O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come." — The verse highlights that God's nature is intrinsically linked to hearing prayer, not just as an occasional act, but as a defining characteristic. This attribute isn't just for a select few, but exte…
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Last reviewed October 2026