Psalm 142:4-143:1 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

Uncared-for souls. This expression may very properly be associated with David, or at least may be illustrated by certain experiences in his life. When he was hunted by Saul among the hills of the south country, he seems to have fallen into a desponding mood, and to have thought that nobody cared for him (see 1 Samuel 22:1 ; 1 Samuel 24:3 ). And as regards the help of man, he certainly then did seem desolate. But in God there still was hope. We may think of those who, with some measures... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

Caring for souls the work of the Church. "Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul." For present purposes associate the psalm with the anxious time of David's life, when he was persecuted by Saul. The point of his sadness was that nobody seemed to care for him. That was likely to make him restless. If he had further said, "and even God does not care for me," he would have grown desperate, and exclaimed, "Why should I care for myself? Why should I try to be true and good and faithful?" By... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:4

I looked on my right hand, and beheld - Margin, “Look on the right hand and see The words translated “looked” and “beheld” are in the imperative mood in the Hebrew. They are not, however, improperly rendered as to the sense. They refer to David’s state of mind at the time, and give vividness to the description. The psalmist seems to be in the presence of others. He calls upon them to look around; to see how he was encompassed with danger. Look, says he, in every direction; see who there is on... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 142:4

Psalms 142:4. I looked on my right hand, &c. The place where the patron, or assistant used to stand; but there was no man Namely, in Saul’s court or camp: none of my former relations, friends or acquaintance; that would know me Own me, or show any respect or kindness to me. The verb, in the first clause of the verse, being in the imperative; look on my right hand, &c. Dr. Horne considers the words as a request to God to look on his destitute condition, and to pity and relieve... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

Psalm 140 - 143 Troubles for the godlyThese four psalms are similar, and from the title of Psalms 142:0 it appears that all four belong to the time when David was fleeing from Saul. (See introductory notes to Psalms 34:0.)Treachery and slander are the chief weapons that David’s enemies use to attack him. These men have the poison of snakes and the cunning of hunters (140:1-5). But Yahweh is David’s God, his defender in whom he trusts for victory (6-8). David’s enemies will receive a fitting... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 142:4

beheld. Supply Ellipsis: "beheld [on my left hand], but", &c. know = regard, or recognize. my soul = me (emphatic). Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 142:3-4

Psalms 142:3-4. When my spirit, &c.— Now, when my spirit is overwhelmed within me, yet thou knowest my path. "Though the lowness of my spirits renders me incapable of providing for my own escape; yet thou art able to conduct me by the right path." Here he is supposed to make an effort for escaping. He finds he is way-laid in the path that he had designed to take: he looks on the right hand (for I consider the verbs as infinitive) but does not see the persons with whom he had concerted his... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:4

4. Utter desolation is meant. right hand—the place of a protector (Psalms 110:5). cared for—literally, "sought after," to do good. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 142:1-7

Psalms 142The superscription identifies the time when David wrote this psalm. He wrote it when he was "in the cave," evidently while Saul was pursuing him (cf. Psalms 57; 1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Samuel 24:3). The psalmist spoke as one who had no other hope of deliverance but Yahweh. This is another individual lament psalm. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 142:3-4

2. David’s lament of his condition 142:3-4Even when David could not see his way clearly, God knew what course he should take to reach safety. It seemed to the psalmist that the path he took was one that his enemy had booby-trapped. Evidently if David had had a human defender, that person would have been standing at his right hand, but no one was there. He felt totally forsaken by all other people, and without God’s help, escape was impossible. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 142:4

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 142:4

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 142:3-4

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:4

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 142:1-7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 142:3-4

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