The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. Psalm 34:15
Psalm 34 is attributed to David and is believed to have been written during a difficult period in
his life when he was facing great danger. It is believed that David wrote it when he pretended to
be mad before Abimelech, who drove him away. It is in this context that we find today’s text,
which reflects David’s personal experience of relying on God’s protection and provision in the
midst of adversity. This verse is a powerful reminder of the unfailing love and care of God for
His people. It conveys the idea that God’s attention is always focused on the righteous, and He is
willing to hear and respond to their prayers.
The theme of God’s watchful care and responsiveness to the prayers of the righteous is central to
this verse. But one may rightly ask, who are the righteous? The Bible tells us “there is none
righteous”. (Romans 3:10-12) The righteous are those who, by faith, are trusting in God for
salvation and sanctification. They are covered with the righteousness God provides for us in
Christ Jesus. These are they who look to God, seek His face, and cry out to Him.
So, today’s text underscores the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people
and is attentive to our needs. It provides comfort and reassurance to those who are faithful and
obedient to God, knowing that we are under His constant watchful gaze and that He is ready to
listen and act on our behalf. The image of God’s eyes being upon the righteous signifies His
constant vigilance and awareness of our actions and needs. It symbolizes God’s omniscience and
His ability to see and understand everything about His people. This imagery also communicates
the idea that the righteous are always under God’s loving gaze, and He is attentive to our well-
being.
The mention of God’s ears being open to the cry of the righteous is a powerful symbol of His
responsiveness to our prayers. It conveys the idea that God is not distant or indifferent to the
struggles of His people, but is actively listening and ready to come to our aid. This symbolizes
God’s compassion and willingness to engage with His people in our times of need.
May those who follow God faithfully be assured and enjoy the priviledge that God’s eyes are on
His own, and his ears are open to our cry. May those who fail to follow God be warned by verse
16: “The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the
earth.” May we together submit and surrender ourselves to the will and purpose of God that He
may lead us in the path of righteousness. On this path, we are guaranteed both abundant here and
eternal life in the next. Amen.
Jermaine Gibson