Psalm 142:1-7, Psalm 57:1-3 NIV

Our resource in extremity. Few passages in Scripture more aptly illustrate the words, "They learn in suffering what they teach in song," than does this psalm. In a few strong sentences we have placed before us— I. THE EXTREMITY OF HUMAN TROUBLE . David is "brought very low." His persecutors are too strong for him ( Psalms 142:6 ), too numerous; moreover, they are very wily, their stratagems are clever, and they involve him in great peril ( Psalms 142:3 ). He is abandoned... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

When my spirit was overwhelmed. This is said to be one of David's cave psalms. There are some seven or eight which, according to their inscriptions, have to do with David's persecution by Saul. What cave is meant, whether Adullam or Engedi, we do not know. I. HERE IS A MOST DISTRESSFUL CONDITION SET FORTH . It is described: 1. As being overwhelmed . ( Psalms 142:3 .) As if some fierce flood had rushed down upon him and his, and with sore difficulty they could... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

A cry for deliverance. "The last of the eight psalms to be referred to David's persecution by Saul. Supposed to describe his thoughts and feelings when he was in the "cave," though whether of Adullam or of Engedi is not clear. It expresses the cleaving of the heart to God, the deep sense of loneliness, the cry for deliverance, the confidence that that deliverance will call forth the sympathy and the joy of many others." I. IMPORTUNATE PRAYER UTTERED ALOUD WITH VOICE AND ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:2

I poured out my complaint before him; I showed before him my trouble . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:2

Prayer as complaint. "I pour out my complaint before him." "Before God we may speak out our minds fully, and name the persons that afflict, affront, or trouble us." True religion must be genuine. What a man really does feel he ought to be able to express. Reserve is the bane of friendship; it is of our friendship with God. A friend should be free to tell his friend precisely what he is feeling, even when the feelings are neither good nor right. It is healthy and hopeful when there is such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:3

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me ; or, "fainted within me." Then thou knewest my path . I had not to tell thee because thou didst not know, but to relieve my own feelings. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me (comp. Psalms 140:5 ; Psalms 141:9 , Psalms 141:10 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:3

The confidence of the crushed heart. Literally, "In the muffling of my spirit upon me." When my spirit was so wrapped in trouble and gloom, so muffled round with woe, that I could not see the path before me, was distracted and unable to choose a line of conduct, thou (emphatic) knewest my path. We are often placed in circumstances in life which baffle intellect and power of judgment. We are overwhelmed because we cannot understand, and cannot steer our way through conflicting conditions,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me . I looked about, i . e ; for human aid, but there was no one who would so much as know me. I was utterly deserted in my trouble. Refuge failed me. I had nowhere to flee unto—no safe and sure abiding-place. The "cave of Adullam" was but a miserable spot to hide in. No man eared for my soul ; or, "looked after my soul" (comp. Jeremiah 30:17 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

No man cared for my soul. It may be that the psalmist was thinking only or chiefly of his life; but more commonly the soul refers to that which is of far more worth than the body—to that in us which is spiritual, immortal, and made in the image of God. And thus we shall understand the word here, and speak of "the evil and danger of neglecting the souls of men." See Dr. Doddridge's great sermon on this theme. The psalmist declares, "No man eared for my soul." I. IS THE ASSERTION ... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

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