Psalms 142:5

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

Psalms 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 ) .

Psalms 142:5 In-Context

3 When my spirit is faint, you know my way. In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see— there is no one who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for me.
5 I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
6 Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low. Save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
7 Bring me out of prison, so that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.