Psalm 142:5

5 I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my ¹refuge, my ²portion in ³the land of the living. ”

Psalm 142:5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O Lord
Finding no help from man, he turns to the Lord, and directs his prayer to him in his distress; I said, thou [art] my refuge;
as he was, from all his enemies that were in pursuit of him, and from the storm of calamities he apprehended was coming upon him: and a refuge the Lord is to all his people in time of trouble; and where they always meet with sustenance, protection, and safety; he being a strong habitation, a strong hold, a strong refuge, to which they may resort at all times; and such is Christ to all sensible sinners that flee unto him, ( Hebrews 6:18 ) ; [and] my portion in the land of the living;
and a most excellent one he is, a large, immense, and inconceivable portion; he and all his perfections, purposes, promises, and blessings, being included in it; a soul-satisfying one, and which will never be taken away nor consumed; it is a portion in the present life; it will last as long as life lasts, and continues unto death, and at death, and for evermore, ( Psalms 73:26 ) .

Psalm 142:5 In-Context

3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.

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

6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!

7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.

Cross References

• 1. 142:5 See Ps. 14:6
• 2. 142:5 Ps. 16:5
• 3. 142:5 Ps. 27:13