Psalm 143:6

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

Psalm 143:6 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 143:6

I stretch forth my hands unto thee
In prayer, as the Targum adds; for this is a prayer gesture, ( 1 Kings 8:38 ) ( Isaiah 1:15 ) ; both hands were stretched forth, earnestly imploring help, and ready to receive and embrace every blessing bestowed with thankfulness;

my soul [thirsteth] after thee as a thirsty land.
As a dry land, which wants water, gapes, and as it were thirsts for rain, which is very refreshing to it; so his soul thirsted after God, after his word and ordinances, after communion with him in them, after his grace and fresh supplies of it; particularly after pardoning grace and mercy, after the coming of Christ, and the blessings of grace by him; as reconciliation, atonement, righteousness, and salvation; after more knowledge of God and Christ, and divine truths; and after the enjoyment of them in heaven to all eternity. Some copies read, "in a thirsty land" ^F24, and so some versions; see ( Psalms 42:1 Psalms 42:2 ) ( 63:1 ) ( 84:2 ) .

Selah; on this word, (See Gill on Psalms 3:2).

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 (Urab) Cod. Heb. Bomberg. Venet. "in terra siticulosa", Musculus, Tarnovius.

Psalm 143:6 In-Context

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.