English · CJB

Psalms142

Psalm 142, a prayer of David when he was in the cave, records his fervent cry to the Lord in a time of overwhelming distress. Feeling utterly abandoned by others and facing hidden snares, David poured out his complaint and trouble before God. He declared the Lord to be his only refuge and portion, earnestly seeking deliverance from his persecutors so that he might praise God's name.

A Desperate Cry from the Cave

1
A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer: With my voice I cry to ADONAI, with my voice I plead to ADONAI for mercy. ​
2
Before him I pour out my complaint, before him I tell my trouble.

Overwhelmed by Troubles and Snares

3
When my spirit faints within me, you watch over my path. By the road that I am walking they have hidden a snare for me. ​
4
Look to my right, and see that no one recognizes me. I have no way of escape; nobody cares for me. ​

The Lord Is My Only Refuge

5
I cried out to you, ADONAI; I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." ​
6
Listen to my cry, for I have been brought very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
7
Lead me out of prison, so that I can give thanks to your name; in me the righteous will be crowning themselves, because you will have treated me generously. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 142

Verse 1

The superscription provides the specific context: David hiding from King Saul (likely 1 Sam 22:1, the cave of Adullam). The repetition of 'with my voice' emphasizes the intensity and singularity of his desperate focus on God.

Verse 3

David contrasts his internal state of despair ('overwhelmed') with God’s perfect knowledge ('thou knewest my path'). This affirmation of divine omniscience provides comfort even as enemies secretly plot his destruction.

Verse 4

Looking to the 'right hand' traditionally signifies seeking a defender or advocate in court, or a trusted helper in battle. David finds himself utterly isolated; his human refuge has entirely failed him, forcing absolute reliance on God.

Verse 5

This verse marks the turning point of the psalm, transitioning from lament to definitive declaration of trust. By calling God his 'portion' (Hebrew: cheleq), David asserts that God is his sole inheritance and source of life, even while facing mortal danger.

Verse 7

The 'prison' is a metaphor for the narrow, inescapable plight of the cave and the relentless persecution. David seeks deliverance so that he may fulfill his primary duty: leading the community of the righteous in public praise and worship.

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