Psalms 143:8

8 Let the story of your mercy come to me in the morning, for my hope is in you: give me knowledge of the way in which I am to go; for my soul is lifted up to you.

Psalms 143:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 143:8

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning
Not only externally in the ministry of the word; but internally by the Spirit, so as to feel and perceive, and have some sensible experience of it; which he desired he might have in the morning, early, speedily, by the next morning; it being now night perhaps when he was in this distress, and put up this prayer; see ( 2 Samuel 18:1 ) ; Jarchi interprets it, when the redemption arises or springs out; meaning the deliverance of the Jews from their present captivity: and so Kimchi, of the time of salvation; as a time of distress is called the evening; for in thee do I trust:
alone for salvation; being encouraged by his loving kindness, and the goodness of God being for such that trust in him, ( Psalms 36:7 ) ( 31:19 ) ; the Targum is,

``in thy Word do I hope;''

cause me to know the way wherein I should walk;
either literally, which way he should take to escape his enemies, and get out of danger; or the way and course of his life and conversation, according to the will of God; the way or truth, and path of faith; the way of righteousness and holiness, the way of God's commandments and ordinances; which he desired to have a more distinct knowledge of, and grace to enable him to walk therein; for I lift up my soul unto thee;
"in prayer", as the Targum adds, which this phrase is expressive of; and unless the heart is lifted up to God, and the affections of the soul, and the desires of it, are drawn out unto him, and grace is in exercise on him in prayer, the lifting up of the hands will be of no avail; see ( Psalms 25:1 Psalms 25:4 ) ( Lamentations 3:41 ) .

Psalms 143:8 In-Context

6 My hands are stretched out to you: my soul is turned to you, like a land in need of water. (Selah.)

7 Be quick in answering me, O Lord, for the strength of my spirit is gone: let me see your face, so that I may not be like those who go down into the underworld.

8 Let the story of your mercy come to me in the morning, for my hope is in you: give me knowledge of the way in which I am to go; for my soul is lifted up to you.

9 O Lord, take me out of the hands of my haters; my soul is waiting for you.

10 Give me teaching so that I may do your pleasure; for you are my God: let your good Spirit be my guide into the land of righteousness.