תהלים, פרק כ״ח, פסוק ו׳

Deep feelings of gratitude pour from the psalmist's heart, blessing God for accepting his prayers. Although the words are framed as if the rescue has already taken place, the primary approach among commentators is that this was spoken prophetically, with clear knowledge that the prayer would be answered in the future. Alternatively, this expression of gratitude stems from David’s immense trust in God. His faith is so absolute that he thanks God as though he has already been saved, completely bypassing the need to physically fight his enemies [מאירי, מלבי״ם].

The gratitude for God hearing the prayer points to very specific requests. One perspective links this to the end of David’s life, when he was saved from a life-threatening encounter with Ishbi-benob. Following this dangerous event, his men swore that he would never again join them on the battlefield [רד״ק]. Another view suggests that the answered prayer was David’s plea to be spared from sharing the fate of the wicked when they receive their rightful punishment [מצודת דוד].

Beyond the practical result of the prayer, there is a deep appreciation for the act of being heard. God desires the prayers of righteous people. Even in situations where He has already decided to grant a person's request before they even call out to Him, He still listens with love to the actual act of speaking and pleading. David offers his blessing and thanks for this specific reality. He is not merely grateful that his request was granted, but that God actively and lovingly listened to the sound of his plea [אלשיך].