Psalms Chapter 142 A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.
1 I cry with my voice to the LORD. With my voice, I ask the LORD for mercy.
2 I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul.
5 I cried to you, LORD. I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me.
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Psalms Chapter 142 A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer. Guide
In this psalm human need is yet more vividly set forth. Here is seen the consciousness resulting from the difficulties described in the previous psalm. Here there is a combination of fighting and fears within and without.
The onslaught of the foe and the trembling heart constitute an experience which can only be described as that of a spirit overwhelmed. There are two notes running side by side throughout the song. The first is that of this terrible sense of helplessness and hopelessness so far as man is concerned. The other is that of the determined application of the helpless soul to Jehovah. There is the utmost urgency in this method. "I cry with my voice ... I pour out my complaint ... I show before Him my trouble." The whole need is gathered up into the tremendous statement, "Refuge hath failed me; no man careth for my soul." This is answered by triumphing faith in the words, "O Jehovah ... Thou art my refuge." The song ends with an earnest cry for deliverance, and an affirmation of confidence that the cry will be heard and answered.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Psalms Chapter 142 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- David's comfort in prayer.
Verses 1-7
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.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.