Psalms 142:2-7

2 I pour out my complaint before him, I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit is faint, thou knowest my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

4 I look to the right and watch, but there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me, no man cares for me.

5 I cry to thee, O LORD; I say, Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.

6 Give heed 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 thy name! The righteous will surround me; for thou wilt deal bountifully with me.

Psalms 142:2-7 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.