English · WEBM

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.

Appeal to God's Faithfulness and Righteousness

1
Hear my prayer, LORD. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me. ​
2
Don’t enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous. ​

Complaint of Persecution and Despair

3
For the enemy pursues my soul. He has struck my life down to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead. ​
4
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate.

Seeking Refuge in Meditation

5
I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands. ​
6
I spread out my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. Selah.

Urgent Prayer for Deliverance and Guidance

7
Hurry to answer me, LORD. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit. ​
8
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. ​
9
Deliver me, LORD, from my enemies. I flee to you to hide me.
10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. ​
11
Revive me, LORD, for your name’s sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. ​
12
In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am your 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.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options