Psalms 142:2-7

2 I pour out my complaints in his presence and tell him my troubles.

3 When I begin to lose hope, you [already] know what I am experiencing. [My enemies] have hidden a trap for me on the path where I walk.

4 Look to my right and see that no one notices me. Escape is impossible for me. No one cares about me.

5 I call out to you, O LORD. I say, "You are my refuge, my own inheritance in this world of the living."

6 Pay attention to my cry for help because I am very weak. Rescue me from those who pursue me because they are too strong for me.

7 Release my soul from prison so that I may give thanks to your name. Righteous people will surround me because you are good to me.

Psalms 142:2-7 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.