תהלים, פרק ע״א, פסוק ב׳

King David cries out for rescue from his hardships, turning to God with a heartfelt plea to be heard. His appeal for safety does not rely on his own personal merit, but rather on the very character of God.

The primary approach among commentators is that David appeals to God's kindness, mercy, and generosity, rather than asking for a reward based on his own actions. Aware that his current suffering is a punishment for the sin of Uriah, David knows he cannot depend on his own standing. Instead, he asks to be saved solely through the righteousness of God [רד״ק]. Alternatively, this appeal is understood as a call for true justice. From this perspective, David asks God to judge the situation fairly, as his enemies are acting unjustly toward him [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

In his plea for total deliverance from his enemies and all other troubles [ביאור שטיינזלץ], David asks God to listen to his prayer. Beneath this simple request lies a profound yearning for a personal connection. David asks that his rescue not take place before God actually hears his words. Even if God has already decided to save him, David fears that an immediate rescue would cause him to miss the opportunity to pray and speak directly with God. Driven by an intense desire for this relationship, he asks first that God listen to him, and only afterward bring about the salvation [אלשיך].