English · ASV

Psalms143

David earnestly prays for God's faithful and righteous answer, acknowledging that no one can be justified before Him. He describes his soul's persecution and desolation, seeking urgent deliverance from enemies and divine guidance. He trusts in God to quicken him and lead him in righteousness, appealing to God's mercy as His servant.
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Appeal to God's Faithfulness and Righteousness

1
Hear my prayer, O Jehovah; give ear to my supplications: In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. ​
2
And enter not into judgment with thy servant; For in thy sight no man living is righteous. ​

Complaint of Persecution and Despair

3
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; He hath smitten my life down to the ground: He hath made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead. ​
4
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is desolate.

Seeking Refuge in Meditation

5
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy doings; I muse on the work of thy hands. ​
6
I spread forth my hands unto thee: My soulthirstethafter thee, as a weary land. [Selah

Urgent Prayer for Deliverance and Guidance

7
Make haste to answer me, O Jehovah; my spirit faileth: Hide not thy face from me, Lest I become like them that go down into the pit. ​
8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee. ​
9
Deliver me, O Jehovah, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
10
Teach me to do thy will; For thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; Lead me in the land of uprightness. ​
11
Quicken me, O Jehovah, for thy name’s sake: In thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. ​
12
And in thy lovingkindness cut off mine enemies, And destroy all them that afflict my soul; For I am thy servant. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 143

Verse 1

David appeals not on the basis of his own merit, but solely on God's reliable character (faithfulness and righteousness), setting the foundation for the entire prayer.

Verse 2

This verse is a profound confession of universal sinfulness. The Psalmist recognizes that if God judged him strictly based on covenant law, no living person could be justified or found innocent.

Verse 3

The description of being 'smitten... to the ground' and made to 'dwell in darkness' uses imagery associated with the grave (Sheol), emphasizing the closeness of death and utter hopelessness.

Verse 5

In times of overwhelming trouble, the Psalmist intentionally shifts focus from current despair to meditating on God’s historical acts of salvation and creation, renewing hope.

Verse 7

The urgency ('speedily') reflects the imminent danger of spiritual and physical death ('the pit'). Hiding God’s face implies the withdrawal of divine favor and presence, which is equivalent to death.

Verse 8

Hearing God's 'lovingkindness' (Hebrew: *hesed*, covenant loyalty) in the morning symbolizes a fresh start and the assurance needed to navigate the day's trials. This is a request for daily spiritual direction.

Verse 10

The prayer shifts from deliverance from enemies to spiritual formation. David asks for divine instruction, recognizing that true safety lies in obedient alignment with God's will, led by His good Spirit.

Verse 11

To 'quicken' (give life to or revive) is a plea for restoration, requested not for David's comfort, but entirely 'for thy name's sake,' prioritizing God's honor and reputation.

Verse 12

The Psalm concludes with a final petition for vindication, rooted in the covenant relationship. David is God's 'servant,' and God is thus obligated to protect him and execute justice upon his oppressors.

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