Psalms 143:4-12

4 That is why I begin to lose hope and my heart is in a state of shock.

5 I remember the days long ago. I reflect on all that you have done. I carefully consider what your hands have made.

6 I stretch out my hands to you in prayer. Like parched land, my soul thirsts for you. Selah

7 Answer me quickly, O LORD. My spirit is worn out. Do not hide your face from me, or I will be like those who go into the pit.

8 Let me hear about your mercy in the morning, because I trust you. Let me know the way that I should go, because I long for you.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD. I come to you for protection.

10 Teach me to do your will, because you are my God. May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

11 O LORD, keep me alive for the sake of your name. Because you are righteous, lead me out of trouble.

12 In keeping with your mercy, wipe out my enemies and destroy all who torment me, because I am your servant.

Psalms 143:4-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 143

\\<>\\. This psalm was composed by David when he fled from Absalom his son, according to the title of it in Apollinarius, the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, and Arabic versions; so R. Obadiah Gaon: and of the same opinion is Theodoret and others. The sense he had of his sins, and his deprecating God's entering into judgment with him for them, seems to confirm it; affliction from his own family for them being threatened him, 2Sa 12:9-11; though Kimchi thinks it was written on the same account as the former, and at the same time, namely, when he was persecuted by Saul; and what is said in Ps 142:2,4, seems to agree with it. The Syriac inscription is, ``when the Edomites came against him;'' which is very foreign, since these were subdued by him.