Psalm 142

1 I cried to the Lord with my voice; with my voice I made supplication to the Lord.

2 I will pour out before him my supplication: I will declare before him mine affliction.

3 When my spirit was fainting within me, then thou knewest my paths; in the very way wherein I was walking, they hid a snare for me.

4 I looked on my right hand, and behold, for there was none that noticed me; refuge failed me; and there was none that cared for my soul.

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

6 Attend to my supplication, for I am brought very low; deliver me from them that persecute me; for they are stronger than I.

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to thy name, O Lord; the righteous shall wait for me, until thou recompense me.

Psalm 142 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.