Psalms143
New King James Version
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, And in Your righteousness.
2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no one living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead.
4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah
7 Answer me speedily, O Lord; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.
8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.
10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies, And destroy all those who afflict my soul; 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