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Psalms 142

World English Bible

WEB

1A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer. I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy. 2I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles. 3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me. 4Look 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. 5I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 6Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. 7Bring 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.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 142 is a heartfelt cry of David, expressing his deep distress and need for God's deliverance. This psalm is categorized as a maskil, which suggests it is a contemplative or instructional piece. David, while in a cave, pours out his soul to the Lord, revealing his feelings of isolation and despair. He acknowledges that he is overwhelmed and has no one to turn to for help, stating, "I look to the right and see no one is concerned for me; I have no refuge; no one cares for my life" (Psalm142:4). This verse highlights the profound loneliness and desperation he feels in his circumstances, emphasizing the importance of community and support in times of trouble.

In his prayer, David earnestly seeks God's presence and intervention, declaring, "I cry out to you, Lord; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living'" (Psalm142:5). This statement reflects David's unwavering faith in God as his ultimate source of hope and salvation. He pleads for God to rescue him from his persecutors, recognizing that they are stronger than he is. The psalm concludes with a note of confidence, as David expresses his trust that God will bring him out of his troubles and that he will ultimately praise Him among the righteous. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of turning to God in times of distress and the assurance that He hears our cries and is our refuge in times of need.

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Referenced by

  1. Job 7:11v2In Job 7:11, Job expresses his determination to speak out in his anguish, similar to Psalm 142:2 where David pours out his complaint before the Lord.

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