Psalm 142:1-6

1 (141-1) <Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave.> (141-2) I cried to the Lord with my voice: with my voice I made supplication to the Lord.

2 (141-3) In his sight I pour out my prayer, and before him I declare my trouble:

3 (141-4) When my spirit failed me, then thou knewest my paths. In this way wherein I walked, they have hidden a snare for me.

4 (141-5) I looked on my right hand, and beheld, and there was no one that would know me. Flight hath failed me: and there is no one that hath regard to my soul.

5 (141-6) I cried to thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living.

6 (141-7) Attend to my supplication: for I am brought very low. Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Psalm 142:1-6 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.