Psalms 142

A Cry for Help

¹I cry with my voice unto Jehovah ; With my voice unto Jehovah do I make supplication. ²I pour out my complaint before him ; I show before him my trouble.

Acknowledgment of Weakness

³When my spirit was overwhelmed within me , Thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walk Have they hidden a snare for me . ⁴Look on my right hand, and see ; For there is no man that knoweth me : Refuge hath failed me ; No man careth for my soul.

Trust in God's Faithfulness

⁵I cried unto thee , O Jehovah ; I said, Thou art my refuge , My portion in the land of the living . ⁶Attend unto my cry ; For I am brought very low: Deliver me from my persecutors; For they are stronger than I . ⁷Bring my soul out of prison, That I may give thanks unto thy name: The righteous shall compass me about ; For thou wilt deal bountifully with me .

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Insight

Psalms 142:1-2

In this section, the psalmist expresses a deep sense of despair and isolation. He is in a cave, symbolizing not just a physical location but a spiritual state of darkness and loneliness. The act of crying out to the Lord signifies a recognition of God's sovereignty and power, even in the midst of suffering.

The psalmist's plea is not just for relief from his circumstances but for God's attention and intervention. This highlights the importance of prayer and seeking God in times of trouble.

Scripture references

1 Samuel 22:1Open this cross-reference in ASV.1 Samuel 24:3Open this cross-reference in ASV.1 Samuel 24:4Open this cross-reference in ASV.1 Chronicles 4:10Open this cross-reference in ASV.