Psalms142
English Standard Version
1A of , when he was in the . A . With my I to the Lord; with my I plead for to the Lord.
2I pour my him; I my him.
3When my me, you my ! In the I they have a for me.
4 to the and : there is who of me; me; no for my .
5I cry to , O Lord; I , You are my , my in the of the .
6 to my , I am ! me my , for me!
7 of , that I may your ! The will me, you will me.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 142.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: David's comfort in prayer. (1-7).
vv1-7
There can be no situation so distressing or dangerous, in which faith will not get comfort from God by prayer. We are apt to show our troubles too much to ourselves, poring upon them, which does us no service; whereas, by showing them to God, we might cast the cares upon him who careth for us, and thereby ease ourselves. Nor should we allow any complaint to ourselves or others, which we cannot make to God. When our spirits are overwhelmed by distress, and filled with discouragement; when we see snares laid for us on every side, while we walk in his way, we may reflect with comfort that the Lord knoweth our path. Those who in sincerity take the Lord for their God, find him all-sufficient, as a Refuge, and as a Portion: every thing else is a refuge of lies, and a portion of no value. In this situation David prayed earnestly to God. We may apply it spiritually; the souls of believers are often straitened by doubts and fears. And it is then their duty and interest to beg of God to set them at liberty, that they may run the way of his commandments. Thus the Lord delivered David from his powerful persecutors, and dealt bountifully with him. Thus he raised the crucified Redeemer to the throne of glory, and made him Head over all things for his church. Thus the convinced sinner cries for help, and is brought to praise the Lord in the company of his redeemed people; and thus all believers will at length be delivered from this evil world, from sin and death, and praise their Saviour for ever.
Key Words
מַשְׂכִּיל: instructive, i.e. a didactic poem
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
מְעָרָה: a cavern (as dark)
תְּפִלָּה: intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
קוֹל: a voice or sound
זָעַק: to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
חָנַן: properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition)
שָׁפַךְ: to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e. to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc.); intensively, to sprawl out
שִׂיחַ: a contemplation; by implication, an utterance
פָּנִים: the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 142Historical setting of David hiding in the cave (En-gedi) fleeing from Saul.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Pouring out one's heart or complaint before God in times of trouble.
Supported by JFB
The alternative cave setting (Cave of Adullam) where David escaped.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Hope to see and experience the goodness of God in "the land of the living."
Supported by Matthew Poole
The righteous rejoicing and shouting for joy together when God vindicates His servant.
Supported by JFB
An earnest, vocal prayer arising from unfeigned lips in deep distress.
Supported by JFB
Experiencing total human abandonment when no one stands by or cares for the soul.
The Lord is praised as the believer's chosen portion and inheritance.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Praising the Lord for dealing bountifully with the soul.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The proud and wicked privily laying snares and traps along the path.