Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my refuge [and] my portion in the land of the living.

I cried {H2199} unto thee, O LORD {H3068}: I said {H559}, Thou art my refuge {H4268} and my portion {H2506} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416}.

I cried out to you, ADONAI; I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

I cry to You, O LORD: โ€œYou are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.โ€

I cried unto thee, O Jehovah; I said, Thou art my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 142:5 (KJV)

Psalm 142:5 captures a profound declaration of faith from King David during a period of intense distress. This verse is part of a Maskil (a contemplative psalm), believed to have been written when David was hiding from King Saul in a cave (likely 1 Samuel 22:1 or 1 Samuel 24:1). Surrounded by enemies and feeling utterly abandoned, David pours out his heart to God, finding solace and certainty in His divine character.

Context

The preceding verses of Psalm 142 describe David's desperate situation: he is overwhelmed, his spirit is faint, and he feels trapped with no one caring for his soul. He cries out to the LORD, confessing his trouble and weakness. Verse 5 is the turning point, a pivot from lament to a declaration of trust and hope. It demonstrates David's realization that when all human avenues fail, God alone remains his ultimate source of help and sustenance.

Key Themes

  • Sole Dependence on God: David's fervent cry, "I cried unto thee, O LORD," highlights his complete reliance on God when all other human help and hope had vanished.
  • God as Refuge: He declares God as his ultimate shelter and protection. This isn't just a physical hiding place, but a spiritual stronghold against fear, despair, and external threats.
  • God as Portion: David proclaims God as his "portion," signifying that the LORD Himself is his inheritance, his sustenance, his ultimate good, and the source of his satisfaction. This is in contrast to worldly possessions or power, which were fleeting in his current circumstances.
  • Hope in the "Land of the Living": Despite facing imminent danger and the possibility of death, David's declaration of God as his portion "in the land of the living" expresses a profound hope for preservation and future life, emphasizing God's ability to sustain him through any trial.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Refuge" (Hebrew: ืžึทื—ึฐืกึถื”, machaseh): This word literally means "a place of shelter," "a stronghold," or "a secure retreat." It conveys the idea of a safe haven from danger, emphasizing God's role as a protector and defender.
  • "Portion" (Hebrew: ื—ึถืœึฐืงึดื™, chelqi): In ancient Israel, a "portion" often referred to one's inheritance, particularly land or sustenance. For the Levites, the LORD Himself was their portion (Numbers 18:20). Here, David claims God as his rightful and sufficient inheritance, the source of his well-being and ultimate satisfaction. This echoes the sentiment found in Lamentations 3:24, "The LORD is my portion," underscoring God as his ultimate source of security and joy.

Practical Application

Psalm 142:5 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing overwhelming difficulties, loneliness, or despair. When human solutions fail, and help seems distant, this verse reminds us to turn to God as our absolute refuge and all-sufficient portion. It teaches us that true satisfaction and security are not found in circumstances, possessions, or the approval of others, but solely in God Himself. Even "in the land of the living," amidst life's challenges, God remains faithful, sustaining us and providing for our deepest needs. This psalm invites us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, viewing Him as our ultimate provider and protector, especially when we feel most vulnerable.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 16:5 (7 votes)

    The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

  • Psalms 119:57 (6 votes)

    ยถ CHETH. [Thou art] my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

  • Lamentations 3:24 (5 votes)

    The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

  • 2 Timothy 4:17 (5 votes)

    Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

  • Psalms 27:13 (4 votes)

    [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

  • Psalms 91:2 (4 votes)

    I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

  • Psalms 46:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.