Psalms 142

A Cry for Help

¹I cried unto the LORD with my voice ; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication . ²I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble .

Acknowledgment of Weakness

³When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path . In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. ⁴I looked on my right hand , and beheld , but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul .

Trust in God's Faithfulness

⁵I cried unto thee, O LORD : I said , Thou art my refuge and 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 praise thy name : the righteous shall compass me about ; for thou shalt 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 KJV.1 Samuel 24:3Open this cross-reference in KJV.1 Samuel 24:4Open this cross-reference in KJV.1 Chronicles 4:10Open this cross-reference in KJV.