Psalms 142:4-7

4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

Psalms 142:4-7 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.

Cross References

• 1. Jeremiah 25:35
• 2. Psalms 31:11; Jeremiah 30:17
• 3. S Psalms 46:1
• 4. S Deuteronomy 32:9; Psalms 16:5
• 5. S Job 28:13; Psalms 27:13
• 6. S Psalms 17:1
• 7. S Psalms 79:8; Psalms 116:6
• 8. S Psalms 25:20
• 9. Jeremiah 31:11
• 10. S Psalms 66:11; Psalms 146:7
• 11. Psalms 7:17; Psalms 9:2
• 12. S 2 Chronicles 6:41; Psalms 13:6