been, and so facilitated the reinterpretation it underwent in its present form. The development from קולי, “my cry,” to קול תחנוני, “my imploring cry,” in v 2 is significant: “This repetitive elaboration prolongs the plea, heightening the effect of the call” (R. R. Marrs, ZAW 100 [1988] 88). The same may be said of the elongation of the verb שׁמעה, “listen,” to תהיינה אזניך קשׁבות, “may your ears be attentive.” The psalmist clamors for a positive hearing. But the next strophe will reveal that he