Psalm 17 (16):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It could be interpreted that it needed to convey, ‘Listen to me, for I call out to You.’ However, the statement becomes, ‘To You I call, for You will listen to me’; and then, seemingly in response to the inquiry regarding how he demonstrates his cry for help, he highlights the result of his plea to God—namely, that God has indeed responded to him. It is as though he asserts: I demonstrate here that I have called out, because You have heard my voice.

It is expressed, ‘You have heard,’ rather than ‘You will hear.’ My cries were not made in vain, for through my experiences I have come to know Your humanity; many times I have called out to You and have been heard. To 'call' is to direct one’s thoughts toward God. God possesses the ability to listen, as He comprehends all things.

I have called out, for You, O God, have listened to me. I did not express these words without purpose; I have experienced Your humanity, for You have consistently responded to my pleas. "Incline Your ear to me and hear my words." "Marvel at Your mercies, You who rescue those that place their faith in You." Thus, I ask You to accept my prayer and inspire my voice to sing. When others witness that those wronged are forgiven by You, they will celebrate Your divine care. It is Your nature to provide aid to those who rely on You.

I have called out, for You have responded to me, O God. My cries to You, O God, have not been in vain; You have long recognized my prayers. Normally, one’s ears do not simply turn toward sound; rather, when someone wishes to attentively listen, the listener will naturally tilt their head toward the speaker, and their ears will also seem to follow suit. It has been previously noted that the prophet often strives to articulate God's actions through human behaviors, accommodating the limited understanding of his audience. Thus, when individuals wish to pay special attention, particularly to someone whose voice is faint due to overall frailty, it is customary for listeners to lean in, both with their heads and ears.

Human frailty, on its own, cannot draw His focus. Therefore, He listens when He bestows His attention out of His own goodness and offers His grace in advance to those who seek in prayer.

Presenting his case based on his innocence and the righteousness of God, he reiterates the prayer found at the beginning of the psalm, which serves as a summary of his arguments. I call, because thou hast heard me. This signifies that for this reason he has turned to prayer and has called out to Him, trusting that in the past God has always responded; thus, even now, in Your boundless mercy, bend Your ear to me and listen to my words.

The words of Christ express gratitude: ‘Father, I thank Thee, because Thou hast heard Me, and hast always obeyed Me’ (John 11:41). God's attentive ear embodies His divine ability to listen.