Psalms 142:1-6

1 <> I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy.

2 I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path. In the way in which I walk, They have hidden a snare for me.

4 Look on my right, and see; For there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul.

5 I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living."

6 Listen to my cry, For I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than me.

Psalms 142:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. Of the word "maschil," See Gill on "Ps 32:1," title. This psalm is called a prayer, as some others are, the ninetieth and hundred second psalms: and was composed by David when either in the cave of Adullam, 1 Samuel 22:1; or rather in the cave at Engedi, where he cut off Saul's skirt, 1 Samuel 24:3; as Jarchi and Kimchi think. The psalm represents the troubles of David, and of the Messiah his antitype, and is applicable to the church of God, or to any particular soul when in distress.