Psalms 142:1-6

1 I shall cry unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice shall I ask the LORD for mercy.

2 I shall pour out my complaint before him; before him I shall tell of my trouble.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou didst know my path. In the way in which I walked have they secretly laid a snare for me.

4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no one that would know me; I had no refuge; no one cared for my soul.

5 I cried unto thee, O LORD; I said, Thou art my hope and my portion in the land of the living.

6 Attend unto my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

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.