145. With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.

146. I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.

147. I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.

148. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.

149. Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.

150. They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.

151. But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.

152. Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.

Calling out for Relationship

Have you ever called out to God for help? Desperate need can produce a desperate cry, or a calling out, for help. The Hebrew verb to call is qara and begins with the letter qoph. The first two verses in this stanza begin with a form of this verb depicting David’s calling out to God for help. Specifically, verse 145 starts with the word Qa’ra’ti (קָרָאתִי) that begins with the Hebrew letter qoph (ק). David is crying out with his whole heart to God. Similarly, verse 146 starts with David crying out for help and for strength to obey God’s good rules (i.e., testimonies, see chapter 18 Hebrew Treasure). David uses the same word in Psalm 130:1, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.”

But desperation is not the only motivator for calling or crying out. This word also reflects a deep desire for relationship. After God finishes creating the world and ordering all that is in it, the serpent strikes to bring disorder and division. In Genesis chapter 3, after deception and disobedience enter God’s good creation, God calls to Adam (v. 9). Can you sense God’s desire to rescue and restore the holy intimacy between God and His very good, but now fallen, humans?

The first Hebrew word in Leviticus 1:1 begins with a form of qara, specifically, va’yiqra, meaning And God called. In the last chapter of Exodus, God had come down from Mt. Sinai and literally filled the newly built Tabernacle with His holy Presence (Ex. 40:34-35). Then, the very next verse opening the book of Leviticus starts with a connective conjunction “and” connected to a form of the word qara. This first word in Leviticus 1:1, va’yikra (And He called) describes God calling out to Moses whom God chose to be the authorized and delegated mediator to restore God’s people to Himself. God desires relationship with His people. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Ps. 95:1) but respond to His voice as He calls to you out of His desire to be with you and to lead you as He proves Himself capable of meeting your desperate need in Jesus!

Hebrew Treasure excerpt written by Thomas Boehm.
From The Psalm 119 Journey by Steve Allen, ©2022.
Used with permission.