Psalms143
New International Version
1 Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.
7 Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
Study
Psalms 143Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 143. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: David complains of his enemies and distresses. (1–6). He prays for comfort, guidance, and deliverance. (7–12).
vv1-6
We have no righteousness of our own to plead, therefore must plead God's righteousness, and the word of promise which he has freely given us, and caused us to hope in. David, before he prays for the removal of his trouble, prays for the pardon of his sin, and depends upon mercy alone for it. He bemoans the weight upon his mind from outward troubles. But he looks back, and remembers God's former appearance for his afflicted people, and for him in particular. He looks round, and notices the works of God. The more we consider the power of God, the less we shall fear the face or force of man. He looks up with earnest desires towards God and his favour. This is the best course we can take, when our spirits are overwhelmed. The believer will not forget, that in his best actions he is a sinner. Meditation and prayer will recover us from distresses; and then the mourning soul strives to return to the Lord as the infant stretches out its hands to the indulgent mother, and thirsts for his consolations as the parched ground for refreshing rain.
vv7-12
David prays that God would be well pleased with him, and let him know that he was so. He pleads the wretchedness of his case, if God withdrew from him. But the night of distress and discouragement shall end in a morning of consolation and praise. He prays that he might be enlightened with the knowledge of God's will; and this is the first work of the Spirit. A good man does not ask the way in which is the most pleasant walking, but what is the right way. Not only show me what thy will is, but teach me how to do it. Those who have the Lord for their God, have his Spirit for their Guide; they are led by the Spirit. He prays that he might be enlivened to do God's will. But we should especially seek the destruction of our sins, our worst enemies, that we may be devotedly God's servants.
Key Words
מִזְמוֹר: properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
שָׁמַע: to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תְּפִלָּה: intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
אָזַן: to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e. (by implication) to listen
תַּחֲנוּן: earnest prayer
אֱמוּנָה: literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
עָנָה: properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce
צְדָקָה: rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
בּוֹא: to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Psalms 143Paul uses this exact theological principle (no flesh justified by the law/in His sight) in Romans.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Echoes the absolute truth that no living person can be justified before God by works.
Supported by John Calvin
Parallel penitential plea: if the Lord should mark iniquities, who could stand?
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel plea asking why God would bring a frail human into strict judgment.
Supported by JFB
Identical Hebrew wording regarding being made to dwell in darkness like those long dead.
Supported by John Calvin
Parallel description of the heart and spirit being completely overwhelmed within.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identical prayer: 'lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.'
Supported by JFB
Explicitly names God's 'good Spirit' given to instruct and guide His people.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identical wording from the immediately preceding psalm regarding an overwhelmed spirit.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel petition to be shown the right path and taught how to walk.
Supported by JFB