Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication, when I pray to thee; when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple.
שְׁמַ֤ע ק֣וֹל תַּ֭חֲנוּנַי בְּשַׁוְּעִ֣י אֵלֶ֑יךָ בְּנָשְׂאִ֥י יָ֝דַ֗י אֶל־דְּבִ֥יר קָדְשֶֽׁךָ׃
6 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Listen, O Lord, to the cry of my supplication, as I call out to You, raising my hands toward Your sacred dwelling (Psalm 27:2). As I endure crucifixion for their redemption, those who, through faith, have been transformed into Your sacred abode.
The temple had not yet been constructed; yet the Prophet refers to the tabernacle as he offered his prayers, though physically distant, his thoughts were focused on it. Similarly, the revered Daniel, while in Babylon, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, not believing that the divine presence was confined to that location, but rather recognizing God's manifestation there.
David refers to the tabernacle of Moses as the temple, where he, although physically distant due to the mountains in his flight from Saul, mentally oriented himself towards it, elevating his hands in supplication to God. Similarly, Daniel, while in Babylon, turned the windows of his house toward Jerusalem, not to confine God to that location but because he recognized God's presence there, as noted by Theodoret. Alternatively, one might interpret the term "temple" as signifying heaven, in line with the scriptural declaration, "He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh at them" (Psalm 2:4).
The divine Cyril adds that a high or loud voice is not advocated, as it is inappropriate for the faithful to pray in such a manner; rather, it is the persistent and focused engagement of the mind with God that is emphasized. He acknowledges the prayers of the faithful as they raise their holy hands during prayer. Though the Jewish tradition does not typically include the raising of hands in prayer, it is not unfamiliar to those who are in Christ. By lifting their hands, believers portray the sacred image of the redemptive cross, thereby affirming through this action their commitment to Christ and sharing in His suffering. Following His instruction, we take up our crosses, embodying the cross itself. It is important to distinguish between prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. We pray for what is lacking; we supplicate when presenting God's majesty while seeking something from Him; and we offer thanks once we have become His friends. Paul follows this progression, stating, "I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made" (1 Tim. 2:1).
The repetition of these words carries significant meaning. David conveys that, though burdened by grief and anxiety, he approached God with fervent passion rather than a distant heart. This internal yearning is demonstrated through an external act. Throughout history, the practice of lifting hands in prayer has been a common custom. Even among the most pagan peoples, the innate impulse to express devotion through this visible gesture has existed, enabling them to focus their hearts on the one true God. In the original Hebrew, the text refers to the sanctuary rather than the temple; however, in this context, both terms are understood to represent the heavenly temple.
David was not so fixed on the physical sanctuary that he failed to realize the need for a spiritual pursuit of God, understanding that individuals come closer to Him when they transcend worldly concerns and, through faith, enter into the heavenly realm of glory.
This psalm is believed to have been composed by David during the time of Absalom's rebellion. As he is compelled to flee Jerusalem, the king earnestly petitions the Lord to advocate for him against the treacherous Absalom and his supporters, asking for a definitive response to save him from the peril of death, where "soul" refers to the essence of his passionate pursuits. He reflects on how his adversaries have spoken falsehoods for their own gain. The Hebrew states: "lest I should doubt that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!" With unwavering faith, the psalmist, while escaping, extends his hands toward Jerusalem, the Lord's sanctuary, praying for the Lord to hear him, pleading that his foes do not prepare ruin or face a disgraceful end.
He implores the Lord to render judgment upon these adversaries according to their actions. The term “the ditch” conveys both the idea of a grave and the notion of Sheol. The holy temple represents the most sacred space. God has utterly vanquished those who disregard His magnificent deeds and have failed to move themselves toward righteousness, calling for recompense for the wrongs inflicted upon the psalmist in equal measure. Amidst his supplication, the psalmist gains such assurance in the response to his prayer that he anticipates its fulfillment and praises the Lord for it, recognizing God as the protector of those suffering from the upheaval and of the king. He invokes a plea for the destruction of their lineage, ensuring that their house ceases to exist. Yet, realizing that his request remains ungranted, he reiterates it once more.
The prayer of Christ the Lord to God the Father, both in the air and while He hung on the cross, with His holy hands raised for the redemption of humanity, petitioning, "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34). The Holy Church, the Seat of Divine Glory, and the Spotless Body of Christ, are to which the faithful raise their hands in supplication and approach with contrite hearts, and through Him, we shall be transformed (1 Tim. 2:8).
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS