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Psalms 142

Psalms142

New International Version

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1 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.

4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

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Psalms 142

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 142. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.

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.

Cross References

Psalms 142
v11 Samuel 24:3thematic

Historical setting of David hiding in the cave (En-gedi) fleeing from Saul.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v2Psalms 62:8thematic

Pouring out one's heart or complaint before God in times of trouble.

Supported by JFB

v11 Samuel 22:1thematic

The alternative cave setting (Cave of Adullam) where David escaped.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v5Psalms 27:13thematic

Hope to see and experience the goodness of God in "the land of the living."

Supported by Matthew Poole

v7Psalms 35:27thematic

The righteous rejoicing and shouting for joy together when God vindicates His servant.

Supported by JFB

v1Psalms 17:1thematic

An earnest, vocal prayer arising from unfeigned lips in deep distress.

Supported by JFB

v42 Timothy 4:16thematic

Experiencing total human abandonment when no one stands by or cares for the soul.

v5Psalms 16:5thematic

The Lord is praised as the believer's chosen portion and inheritance.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v7Psalms 116:7thematic

Praising the Lord for dealing bountifully with the soul.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v3Psalms 140:5thematic

The proud and wicked privily laying snares and traps along the path.