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
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Make me to hear in the morning Your mercy, for in You have I hoped" [Psalm 143:8]. Behold, I am in the night, yet "in You have I hoped," until the iniquity of the night pass away. "For we have," as Peter says, "a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts." "Morning" then he calls the time after the end of the world, when we shall see what in this world we believe. But what here, until the morning come? For it is not enough to hope for the morning; we must do somewhat. Why do somewhat? God is to be sought with the hands in the night. What is, "with the hands"? By good works. Since then we must thus hope for the morning, and bear this night, and persevere in this patience until the day dawn, what meanwhile must we do here? Lest perchance thou think that you will do anything of yourself, whereby you may earn to be brought to the morning. "Make known to me, O Lord, the way wherein I must walk." Therefore did He kindle the lamp of prophecy, therefore did He send the Lord in the vessel, as it were, of the flesh, who should even say, "My strength is dried up like a potsherd." Walk by prophecy, walk by the lamp of future things predicted, walk by the word of God....
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Summary
Psalm 143:8 is a profound and earnest prayer from David, expressing a deep and urgent desire for God's steadfast love and clear divine direction amidst overwhelming distress. It beautifully encapsulates the psalmist's complete reliance on the Lord, as he seeks not only the fresh assurance of God's comfort and unfailing kindness at the dawn of a new day but also precise wisdom to navigate the challenging path of life. This verse articulates the heart of a devoted believer who, despite dire circumstances, anchors their hope and trust entirely in God, lifting their very soul in earnest supplication for both grace and guidance.
Context
Literary Context
This powerful verse is situated within Psalm 143, which stands as one of the seven traditional penitential psalms and a quintessential psalm of lament. The psalm opens with David's desperate plea for God to hear his prayer, acknowledging his own unworthiness and the relentless oppression of his enemies, which has left his spirit faint and his heart desolate, as described in Psalm 143:3-4. Before his earnest petitions, David recalls God's past deeds and meditates on His faithfulness, a practice evident in Psalm 143:5, setting the stage for the deeply personal and hopeful requests that follow. Verse 8 marks a pivotal transition from the depths of despair and confession to an active, hopeful plea for divine intervention and guidance, rooted in an unwavering declaration of trust. It highlights the psalmist's shift from recounting his troubles to actively seeking God's presence and direction as the ultimate solution to his plight.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the precise historical occasion for Psalm 143 is not explicitly stated, its themes of persecution, profound distress, and the desperate need for divine guidance resonate strongly with various periods in David's tumultuous life, such as his flight from King Saul or the painful rebellion of Absalom. In ancient Israel, the "morning" was deeply significant, often associated with new beginnings, the renewal of God's mercies, and the customary time for daily sacrifices and prayer, making it a natural moment to seek fresh revelation and comfort from God. The concept of "the way" (Hebrew: derek) was profoundly significant, representing not merely a physical path but one's entire course of life, moral conduct, and divine destiny. For a king like David, discerning God's "way" was paramount for just rule, effective leadership, and the well-being of the nation, making his plea for guidance both intensely personal and critically governmental. Trusting in God was a fundamental aspect of the covenant relationship, providing stability and hope in a volatile and often dangerous world.
Key Themes
Psalm 143:8 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Guidance, as David yearns for God to "cause me to know the way wherein I should walk." This is not a request for general moral instruction but for specific, personal direction in a time of confusion and adversity, reflecting the universal human need for God's active leading in daily life, a theme beautifully echoed in Psalm 25:4-5. Secondly, Absolute Trust and Reliance on God is paramount, declared explicitly with "for in thee do I trust" and "for I lift up my soul unto thee." This underscores a complete dependence on God's character and omnipotence, a foundational principle reiterated in Proverbs 3:5-6. Thirdly, the verse highlights Morning Devotion and God's Renewed Mercies, as the request to "hear thy lovingkindness in the morning" points to the daily, fresh assurance of God's steadfast love, which is indeed "new every morning" as proclaimed in Lamentations 3:22-23. Finally, the central role of God's Lovingkindness (Hesed) is profoundly evident, forming the very basis of David's plea and his expectation of divine intervention and faithfulness.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This is a rich theological term encompassing God's loyal love, covenant faithfulness, steadfast devotion, and mercy. It describes an active, enduring, and gracious commitment that God extends to His people. When David prays to "hear thy lovingkindness," he is not merely asking for an emotional feeling but for a tangible manifestation or assurance of God's unfailing, loyal love, which is the bedrock of his hope and trust, especially in distress. It implies a desire for God to act according to His covenant promises and character.
This word signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it implies a deep, experiential, and relational knowing. It can mean to ascertain by seeing, to discern, to be aware, or causatively, to instruct or designate. David's plea "cause me to know" is a request for God to reveal, instruct, and make clear the specific path he should take. It's a desire for intimate understanding of God's will and active, personal guidance, not just theoretical knowledge.
This term literally means a road or path. Figuratively, it refers to a course of life, a mode of action, or one's conduct. In the context of divine guidance, "the way wherein I should walk" refers to God's divinely appointed path for David's life, encompassing his moral choices, strategic decisions, and overall destiny. It's a comprehensive term for the direction and manner of living that aligns with God's perfect will and purpose.
Verse Breakdown
"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning;"
This is a heartfelt and urgent petition for a fresh, audible, or perceptible revelation of God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness at the very start of the day. The "morning" signifies a new beginning, a time when new mercies are sought and received, providing comfort, assurance, and strength for the challenges ahead. It's a yearning for a tangible sign that God's loyal love is still active and present, even in the midst of darkness and despair.
"for in thee do I trust:"
This clause provides the foundational reason and justification for the preceding plea. David's request is not presumptuous but flows from a deep, unwavering confidence and complete reliance on God. His trust is not in his own strength, wisdom, or the fleeting circumstances of life, but solely in God's unchanging character and His omnipotent ability to deliver and guide. This declaration underscores the psalmist's posture of absolute faith.
"cause me to know the way wherein I should walk;"
This is a direct, desperate prayer for divine guidance. David humbly acknowledges his own inability to discern the right path and seeks God's active instruction and revelation concerning the specific course of action he should take. "The way" refers to his life's journey, his moral conduct, and the practical steps he needs to undertake, particularly in his time of distress. It's a plea for clear, unambiguous direction from the ultimate source of wisdom.
"for I lift up my soul unto thee."
This second explanatory clause powerfully reinforces the psalmist's complete devotion, earnestness, and spiritual surrender. "Lifting up the soul" signifies a wholehearted turning to God, an act of surrender, deep longing, and desperate dependence. It implies pouring out one's entire being—thoughts, emotions, will, and very life—in prayer and worship, indicating a profound spiritual yearning and an exclusive focus on God as the only hope and source of help.
Literary Devices
Psalm 143:8 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse is structured with clear parallelism, specifically a form of synthetic or synonymous parallelism, where the two main petitions ("Cause me to hear...lovingkindness" and "cause me to know the way...") are followed by reinforcing reasons ("for in thee do I trust" and "for I lift up my soul unto thee"). This balanced structure creates a rhythmic flow and emphasizes the interconnectedness of trust, divine guidance, and wholehearted devotion. The phrase "the way wherein I should walk" functions as a powerful metaphor for life's journey, moral conduct, and divine destiny, transforming an abstract concept into a tangible path that requires divine illumination. The petition "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness" utilizes anthropomorphism or personification, attributing to God the human action of causing one to hear, implying a direct, personal communication or manifestation of His character and attributes. The repeated use of the conjunction "for" serves as a rhetorical device of emphasis, highlighting the deep-seated reasons—unwavering trust and complete devotion—that underpin the psalmist's desperate and sincere pleas. The overall tone is one of earnest supplication and profound lament, yet it is powerfully infused with a resilient hope rooted firmly in God's unchanging character.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalm 143:8 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the essential posture of humanity in His presence. It unequivocally affirms God as the ultimate source of all comfort, guidance, and steadfast love (Hesed). The psalmist's urgent plea for God to "cause me to hear" and "cause me to know" underscores God's active and sovereign role in revealing Himself and His perfect will to His people. It highlights the divine initiative in human spiritual understanding and direction, emphasizing that true wisdom and peace come from Him alone. Furthermore, the declarations "for in thee do I trust" and "for I lift up my soul unto thee" articulate the essential human response: absolute dependence, wholehearted devotion, and unwavering faith, even when circumstances are dire and confusing. This verse teaches that genuine, effective prayer is rooted in a deep, experiential knowledge of God's character and a complete surrender of self, seeking His glory and guidance above all else. It serves as a timeless model of how believers can approach God with both their deepest needs and their firmest conviction in His unfailing faithfulness.
Reflection and Application
Psalm 143:8 offers a timeless and deeply practical blueprint for cultivating a vibrant, dependent relationship with God in our daily lives. It challenges us to begin each new day not with our own anxious plans or self-reliant efforts, but with an earnest and intentional seeking of God's presence and His unfailing love. This practice of "morning devotion" is not merely a ritual but a profound act of aligning our hearts and minds with His, inviting His comfort, wisdom, and guidance to permeate every aspect of our day. In a world full of competing voices, confusing choices, and uncertain paths, the psalmist's fervent plea reminds us of our profound and constant need for divine direction. We are encouraged to surrender our own limited understanding and humbly ask God to illuminate the "way wherein I should walk," trusting implicitly that His wisdom is perfect and His leading is always for our ultimate good and His glory. This verse calls us to deepen our trust in God's unchanging character, knowing that His lovingkindness is the bedrock of our hope and security, and to respond with wholehearted devotion, lifting our entire being to Him in prayer and worship, confident that He hears and faithfully responds to those who truly rely on Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is "morning" significant in David's prayer to hear God's lovingkindness?
The "morning" (Hebrew: bôqer) holds profound spiritual and practical meaning in ancient Israelite culture and throughout the biblical narrative. It was often considered a time of new beginnings, a fresh start after the darkness and uncertainties of night. Daily sacrifices in the Temple were customarily offered in the morning, establishing it as a sacred time for renewed communion and covenant relationship with God. Theologically, it signifies the renewal of God's mercies and faithfulness, as powerfully highlighted in Lamentations 3:22-23. For David, seeking God's lovingkindness in the morning was a plea for fresh assurance, comfort, and strength to face the challenges of the new day, grounding his trust and seeking divine guidance before the day's trials and decisions began. It represents a deliberate commitment to prioritize God's presence and revelation at the very outset of one's day, acknowledging His sovereignty over all time and circumstances.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalm 143:8 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and reveals God's lovingkindness and serves as the definitive "way" for all humanity. The psalmist's deep longing to "hear thy lovingkindness" is fully realized in the person of Jesus, who is the very Word made flesh, dwelling among us, full of "grace and truth" (John 1:14). Through Christ, God's steadfast love (hesed) is not merely heard or perceived but is tangibly seen, profoundly experienced, and poured out in its most profound and sacrificial expression on the cross. Furthermore, David's fervent plea to "know the way wherein I should walk" points directly to Jesus's unparalleled declaration, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He is not just a guide to the way, but the very embodiment of the path to God and to righteous living. Our trust, which the psalmist declares, is now firmly and exclusively placed in Christ, for it is "in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts/17/28). When we "lift up my soul unto thee," we are lifting our whole being in worship, surrender, and dependence to the resurrected Lord, who has made a new and living way for us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence and boldness (Hebrews 4:16). In Christ, the morning light of God's lovingkindness truly dawns, dispelling the darkness of sin and guiding our steps toward eternal life and perfect communion with God.