The Bible – Old Testament
Psalms
Index
Int. 1. 2. … 141. 142. 143. … 149. 150.
Chapter 142
1
1 2 A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.
2
With full voice I cry to the LORD; with full voice I beseech the LORD.
3
Before God I pour out my complaint, lay bare my distress.
4
My spirit is faint within me, but you know my path. Along the way I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
5
I look to my right hand, but no friend is there. There is no escape for me; no one cares for me.
6
I cry out to you, LORD, I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
7
Listen to my cry for help, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.
8
3 Lead me out of my prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Then the just shall gather around me because you have been good to me.
1 [Psalm 142] In this lament imploring God for help (⇒ Psalm 142:2-4), the psalmist tells how enemies have set a trap (⇒ Psalm 142:4-5), and prays for rescue (⇒ Psalm 142:6-8). The speaker feels utterly alone (⇒ Psalm 142:5), exhausted (⇒ Psalm 142:7), and may even be imprisoned (⇒ Psalm 142:7). Prison is possibly a metaphor for general distress. The last two verses are the vow of praise, made after receiving an assurance of divine help (⇒ Psalm 142:7).
2 [1] In the cave: cf ⇒ 1 Sam 22:1; ⇒ 24:1-3; ⇒ Psalm 57:1.
3 [8] Then the just shall gather around me: in the temple, when the psalmist offers a thanksgiving sacrifice.