TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 143:7–12. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
David here tells us what he said when he stretched forth his hands unto God; he begins not only as one in earnest, but as one in haste: "Hear me speedily, and defer no longer, for my spirit faileth. I am just ready to faint; reach the cordial - quickly, quickly, or I am gone." It was not a haste of unbelief, but of vehement desire and holy love. Make haste, O God! to help me. Three things David here prays for: -
I.The manifestations of God's favour towards him, that God would be well pleased with him and let him know that he was so; this he prefers before any good, Psa 4:6.
1.He dreads God's frowns: "Lord, hide not thy face from me; Lord, be not angry with me, do not turn from me, as we do from one we are displeased with; Lord, let me not be left under the apprehensions of thy anger or in doubt concerning thy favour; if I have thy favour, let it not be hidden from me." Those that have the truth of grace cannot but desire the evidence of it. He pleads the wretchedness of his case if God withdrew from him: "Lord, let me not lie under thy wrath, for then I am like those that go down to the pit, that is, down to the grave (I am a dead man, weak, and pale, and ghastly; thy frowns are worse than death), or down to hell, the bottomless pit." Even those who through grace are delivered from going down to the pit may sometimes, when the terrors of the Almighty set themselves in array against them, look like those who are going to the pit. Disconsolate saints have sometimes cried out of the wrath of God, as if they had been damned sinners, Job 6:4; Psa 88:6.
2.He entreats God's favour (Psa 143:8): Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning. He cannot but think that God has a kindness for him, that he has some kind things to say to him, some good words and comfortable words; but the present hurry of his affairs, and tumult of his spirits, drowned those pleasing whispers; and therefore he begs, "Lord, do not only speak kindly to me, but cause me to hear it, to hear joy and gladness," Psa 51:8. God speaks to us by his word and by his providence, and in both we should desire and endeavour to hear his lovingkindness (Psa 107:43), that we may set that always before us: "Cause me to hear it in the morning, every morning; let my waking thoughts be of God's lovingkindness, that the sweet relish of that may abide upon my spirits all the day long." His plea is, "For in thee do I trust, and in thee only; I look not for comfort in any other." God's goodness is commonly wrought for those who trust in him (Psa 31:8), who by faith draw it out.
II.The operations of God's grace in him.
Those he is as earnest for as for the tokens of God's favour to him, and so should we be. He prays,
1.That he might be enlightened with the knowledge of God's will; and this is the first work of the Spirit, in order to his other works, for God deals with men as men, as reasonable creatures. Here are three petitions to this effect: - (1.) Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk. Sometimes those that are much in care to walk right are in doubt, and in the dark, which is the right way. Let them come boldly to the throne of grace, and beg of God, by his word, and Spirit, and providence, to show them the way, and prevent their missing it. A good man does not ask what is the way in which he must walk, or in which is the most pleasant walking, but what is the right way, the way in which he should walk. He pleads, "I lift up my soul unto thee, to be moulded and fashioned according to thy will." He did not only importunately, but impartially, desire to know his duty; and those that do so shall be taught. (2.) "Teach me to do thy will, not only show me what thy will is, but teach me how to do it, how to turn my hand dexterously to my duty." It is the desire and endeavour of all God's faithful servants to know and to do his will, and to stand complete in it. He pleads, "Thou art my God, and therefore my oracle, by whom I may expect to be advised - my God, and therefore my ruler, whose will I desire to do." If we do in sincerity take God for our God, we may depend upon him to teach us to do his will, as a master does his servant. (3.) Lead me into the land of uprightness, into the communion of saints, that pleasant land of the upright, or into a settled course of holy living, which will lead to heaven, that land of uprightness where holiness will be in perfection, and he that is holy shall be holy still. We should desire to be led, and kept safe, to heaven, not only because it is a land of blessedness, but because it is a land of uprightness; it is the perfection of grace. We cannot find the way that will bring us to that land unless God show us, nor go in that way unless he take us by the hand and lead us, as we lead those that are weak, or lame, or timorous, or dim-sighted; so necessary is the grace of God, not only to put us into the good way, but to keep us and carry us on in it. The plea is, "Thy Spirit is good, and able to make me good," good and willing to help those that are at a loss. Those that have the Lord for their God have his Spirit for their guide; and it is both their character and their privilege that they are led by the Spirit.
2.He prays that he might be enlivened to do his will (Psa 143:11): "Quicken me, O Lord! - quicken my devotions, that they may be lively; quicken me to my duty, and quicken me in it; and this for thy name's sake." The best saints often find themselves dull, and dead, and slow, and therefore pray to God to quicken them.
III.The appearance of God's providence for him,
1.That God would, in his own way and time, give him rest from his troubles (Psa 143:9): "Deliver me, O Lord! from my enemies, that they may not have their will against me; for I flee unto thee to hide me; I trust to thee to defend me in my trouble, and therefore to rescue me out of it." Preservations are pledges of salvation, and those shall find God their hiding-place who by faith make him such. He explains himself (Psa 143:11): "For thy righteousness-sake, bring my soul out of trouble, for thy promise-sake, nay, for thy mercy-sake" (for some by righteousness understand kindness and goodness); "do not only deliver me from my outward trouble, but from the trouble of my soul, the trouble that threatens to overwhelm my spirit. Whatever trouble I am in, Lord, let not my heart be troubled," Joh 14:1.
2.That he would reckon with those that were the instruments of his trouble (Psa 143:12): "Of thy mercy to me cut off my enemies, that I may be no longer in fear of them; and destroy all those, whoever they be, how numerous, how powerful, soever, who afflict my soul, and create vexation to that; for I am thy servant, and am resolved to continue such, and therefore may expect to be owned and protected in thy service." This prayer is a prophecy of the utter destruction of all the impenitent enemies of Jesus Christ and his kingdom, who will not have him to reign over them, who grieve his Spirit, and afflict his soul, by afflicting his people, in whose afflictions he is afflicted.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
It can be proved, too, that just as the Father is good and the Son is good, so the Holy Spirit is good. Of the Father, the Only-Begotten speaks in the Gospel: “One there is who is good, that is God.” Of himself he says, “I am the good Shepherd.” So, too, of the Holy Spirit, David in his psalms says to the Lord, “Your good spirit shall lead me into the right land.” Just as it is said of the Son, “The word of the Lord is right,” so of the Holy Spirit it is said, “Renew a right spirit within [me].”
"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God" [Psalm 143:10]. Glorious confession! glorious rule! "For Thou," says he, "art my God." To another will I hasten to be re-made, if by another I was made. You are my all, "for You are my God." Shall I seek a father to get an inheritance? "You are my God," not only the Giver of mine inheritance, but mine Inheritance itself. "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance." Shall I seek a patron, to obtain redemption? "You are my God." Lastly, having been created, do I desire to be re-created? "You are my God," my Creator, who hast created me by Your Word, and re-created me by Your Word. "Teach Thou me:" for it cannot be that You are my God, and yet I am to be my own master. See how grace is commended to us. This hold fast, this drink in, this let none drive out of your hearts, lest you have "a zeal, of God, but not according to knowledge." [Romans 10:2] Say then this: "Your good Spirit," not my bad one, "Your good Spirit shall lead me into the right land." For my bad spirit has led me into a crooked land. And what have I deserved? What can be reckoned as my good works without Your aid, through which I might obtain and be worthy to be led by Your Spirit into the right land?
Let us entreat the help of the grace of this Spirit in all our actions, dearly beloved. Let us all, individually and collectively, say to the Lord, “Let your good Spirit lead me in the right way.” And so it will come to pass that the one who came down on the apostles and declared to them the things that were to come may disclose also to our minds the joys of the life to come. May he kindly set us on fire to seek these joys, with the cooperation of the one who is accustomed both to promise and to give him to his faithful, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
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Summary
Psalm 143:10 is a profound and poignant prayer from David, likely penned during a period of intense distress and persecution. It represents a pivot from lament and desperate appeals for deliverance to a fervent plea for divine instruction and guidance. The verse encapsulates a deep yearning for spiritual direction, a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, and a desire for a life characterized by active obedience and moral integrity, all empowered by the benevolent leading of God's Spirit.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 143 is the last of the seven traditional Penitential Psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), characterized by expressions of sorrow for sin, confession, and pleas for mercy. The preceding verses of Psalm 143 vividly portray the psalmist's overwhelming despair, his spirit fainting within him, and his desperate longing for God's intervention in the face of relentless adversaries. He recounts God's past deeds, meditating on His works, and stretches out his hands in prayer, crying out for a swift answer lest he become like those who go down to the pit. Amidst this profound suffering and sense of abandonment, verse 10 marks a crucial turning point, shifting from a focus on external deliverance to an internal transformation and a renewed commitment to God's will as the ultimate path to true peace and stability.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the superscription attributes Psalm 143 to David, the specific historical circumstances are not stated. Many scholars suggest it was written during a time of intense persecution, possibly during his flight from King Saul (as seen in David's flight from Saul) or from his son Absalom (Absalom's rebellion). In ancient Israel, kings and leaders were expected to uphold justice and righteousness, and David, despite his flaws, consistently sought divine guidance for his actions. The concept of "land of uprightness" would have resonated with the Israelite understanding of the Promised Land as a place where God's covenant people were to live in accordance with His righteous laws, contrasting with the chaotic and morally corrupt nations around them. The prayer reflects a deep understanding of God as the ultimate source of wisdom and the only reliable guide in a treacherous world.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Instruction and Obedience, emphasizing a humble recognition of human inadequacy and a profound dependence on God for understanding and enacting His purposes. It's not merely a request for intellectual knowledge but for the practical ability and willingness to obey actively, echoing the call throughout Scripture for God's people to walk in His ways, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:33. Secondly, the phrase "for thou art my God" underscores the theme of God's Sovereignty and Personal Relationship, serving as the foundational declaration of trust and belonging, affirming God's absolute authority and the psalmist's submission. Thirdly, "thy spirit is good" introduces the theme of The Benevolent Guidance of God's Spirit, anticipating the active role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to understand and follow God's commands, a theme more fully developed in the New Testament, particularly in John 14:26. Finally, "lead me into the land of uprightness" speaks to the theme of The Path of Righteousness, signifying a deep desire for a life of integrity, justice, and moral rectitude, consistently lived according to God's righteous standards.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies more than just imparting information; it properly means "to goad," implying a process of making one accustomed or trained through diligent instruction and experience. It suggests a hands-on, active engagement that leads to skill and habituation. The psalmist is not merely asking for intellectual knowledge of God's will but for the divine enablement and discipline to embody and live it out consistently.
This multifaceted word can refer to wind, breath, or, as here, the animating "spirit" of a rational being. When attributed to God, it denotes His active, life-giving, and guiding presence—His divine essence, power, and active influence. The declaration that God's spirit "is good" emphasizes its inherently pure, benevolent, and beneficial nature, assuring that its guidance will always lead to what is truly right, wholesome, and conducive to spiritual flourishing.
Derived from a root meaning "to be straight," this term refers to a level place or plain, but figuratively, it denotes concord, straightness, justice, and equity. In the phrase "land of uprightness," it symbolizes a state or path of moral rectitude, fairness, and integrity. It is not a literal geographical location but a spiritual and ethical condition where one's life and actions are consistently aligned with God's righteous standards, characterized by stability, moral soundness, and a lack of deviation.
Verse Breakdown
"Teach me to do thy will;"
This opening clause expresses profound humility and dependence. The psalmist acknowledges his own inability to discern or perfectly execute God's will without divine instruction. The request is not merely for intellectual knowledge ("teach me what thy will is") but for empowerment and practical application ("teach me to do thy will"), indicating a deep desire for active, ongoing obedience.
"for thou art my God:"
This declaration serves as the foundational premise for the entire prayer. It is a statement of covenant relationship, personal trust, and submission. The psalmist appeals to God based on who God is to him—his sovereign, his faithful provider, his ultimate authority. This intimate relationship establishes the right and the confidence to ask for divine guidance and intervention.
"thy spirit is good;"
This clause affirms the character of God's Spirit and, by extension, God Himself. The inherent goodness of God's Spirit guarantees that any instruction or leading received will be for the psalmist's ultimate well-being and righteousness. It implies a benevolent and trustworthy guide, whose intentions are always pure, whose direction is always beneficial, and whose power is always for good.
"lead me into the land of uprightness."
This is the culmination of the prayer, a request for divine guidance not to a physical destination, but to a moral and spiritual state. The "land of uprightness" is a rich metaphor for a life lived in integrity, justice, and moral rectitude, where one's path is straight and true according to God's righteous standards. It signifies a deep desire for stability, peace, and flourishing that comes from walking in alignment with God's perfect and righteous will.
Literary Devices
Psalm 143:10 employs several literary devices to convey its earnest plea and profound spiritual longing. The most prominent is Metaphor, powerfully illustrated by the phrase "land of uprightness." This is not a literal geographical location but a symbolic representation of a life characterized by moral integrity, justice, and righteousness. The psalmist yearns to be guided into a state of being where his actions and character consistently reflect God's holy standards. Additionally, there is an element of Personification in the description of God's "spirit" as "good" and capable of "leading." While the Holy Spirit is indeed a divine Person, the language here attributes human-like qualities of benevolent guidance and active direction, making the divine presence more relatable and immediate to the psalmist's experience. Finally, the entire verse functions as an Apostrophe, a direct and intimate address to God ("thy will," "my God," "thy spirit," "lead me"). This direct address underscores the personal, desperate, and deeply reliant nature of the psalmist's prayer, highlighting his profound dependence on God alone for guidance and sustenance in a time of distress.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalm 143:10 resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of humanity's inherent need for divine guidance and God's faithful provision of it. It beautifully articulates the human longing for purpose and direction, recognizing that true flourishing and moral stability are found only in alignment with the Creator's will. The prayer anticipates the New Covenant reality where God's law is written on the hearts of believers, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to walk in obedience. It underscores that spiritual growth is not merely about knowing God's commands intellectually, but about actively yielding to His Spirit's transformative work, leading to a life of practical righteousness and integrity. This verse serves as a timeless model for believers seeking to navigate a complex world, reminding us that our ultimate guide is the good Spirit of God, who leads us into paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Reflection and Application
Psalm 143:10 offers a profound template for our own spiritual journey, particularly in times of uncertainty, distress, or when discerning God's path. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging that our wisdom is finite and our ability to live righteously is limited without divine aid. The psalmist's prayer reminds us that true freedom, stability, and peace are found not in self-reliance, but in surrendering to God's will, trusting in the inherent goodness of His Spirit to guide us. This means actively seeking His word, listening for His promptings through prayer and contemplation, and being willing to step out in obedience even when the path is unclear or challenging. It encourages a daily, conscious reliance on the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth, empower obedience, and shape our character into the "land of uprightness"—a life reflecting God's integrity and justice in all our dealings. This prayer is a powerful reminder that our deepest desire should be not just for deliverance from trouble, but for spiritual transformation through trouble, enabling us to walk faithfully in God's ways.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "land of uprightness" mean in this verse?
The "land of uprightness" (Hebrew: ʼerets mîyshôwr) is not a literal geographical location but a powerful metaphor for a state of moral and spiritual integrity, justice, and rectitude. It signifies a life lived in alignment with God's righteous standards, where one's actions, character, and path are straight, fair, and true. It implies a condition of spiritual flourishing and stability that results from walking in obedience to God's will, guided by His good Spirit. It contrasts with a crooked or perverse path, symbolizing a life of faithfulness and moral consistency that brings peace and blessing.
How does God "teach" us His will today?
God teaches us His will primarily through His inspired Word, the Bible, which is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" as stated in [2 Timothy 3:16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"]. He also teaches us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who illuminates Scripture, brings conviction, and guides us in discernment, as Jesus promised in [John 16:13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides"]. Additionally, God uses wise counsel from mature believers, the circumstances of our lives, and even our conscience, all working in harmony with His revealed Word, to instruct us in His ways. The process is often ongoing, requiring prayerful dependence, an open heart, and a willingness to obey.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalm 143:10 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's earnest plea, "Teach me to do thy will," echoes the very life and mission of Christ, who perfectly embodied obedience to the Father's will. Jesus Himself declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work" John 4:34, and He came into the world saying, "Behold, I have come... to do Your will, O God" Hebrews 10:7. He is the ultimate "land of uprightness," for in Him, righteousness is not just a destination but a Person, and all who are in Him are made righteous 2 Corinthians 5:21. Furthermore, the prayer for God's "good spirit" to "lead me" is gloriously fulfilled in the New Covenant. Christ, having accomplished redemption, sent the Holy Spirit—the very Spirit of God—to indwell believers. This Spirit is indeed "good," leading us into all truth John 16:13, empowering us to walk in newness of life Romans 8:4, and conforming us to the image of Christ Romans 8:29. Through Christ, we are not only taught God's will but are also given the divine capacity, through His Spirit, to live lives of true uprightness, fulfilling the deepest longings of the psalmist's heart.