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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my Refuge . When men's fathers and mothers forsake them, the Lord taketh them up ( Psalms 27:10 ). David looked to God as a sure Refuge at all times ( Psalms 9:9 ; Psalms 18:1 , Psalms 18:2 ; Psalms 57:1 ; Psalms 59:9 , Psalms 59:16 , Psalms 59:17 ). And my Portion in the land of the living; or, "my inheritance" (comp. Psalms 16:5 ; Psalms 73:26 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

Pleading what we said to the Lord. This is what the psalmist is here doing; he is putting the Lord in remembrance of his servant's earnest vows. I. WHAT WAS SAID . 1. He reminds the Lord how he had " cried unto " him . His coming was with all earnestness and sincerity of soul; and he tells the Lord this, as much as to say, "Lord, thou knowest that my prayer went not forth out of feigned lips, but it was with true heart that I turned to thee." Such is the prayer the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

The soul's rights in God. "Thou art my Refuge, my Portion in the land of the living." This apprehension of God's relations belongs to a man who was placed in distressing circumstances, which were all the more distressing because he looked this way and that for human helpers, and found none. It is not that, disappointed in man, the psalmist turned to God. It is that, having linked together God's help and man's, he has had to learn that there are times in life when a man must turn from the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:6

Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low (comp. Psalms 79:8 ; and see also Deuteronomy 28:43 ; 6:6 ; Psalms 116:6 ). In the cave of Adullam David had but four hundred outlaws to defend him against Saul, who was at the head of all the thousands of Israel ( 1 Samuel 22:2 ). Deliver me from my persecutors . Saul, Doeg, the Ziphites, and the armed bands with whom Saul "hunted David in the mountains" ( 1 Samuel 26:20 ). For they are stronger than I ; or, "too strong for me." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:7

Bring my soul out of prison. The word "prison" is used symbolically, as a metaphor for trouble and distress (comp. Psalms 88:8 ; Psalms 107:10-14 ). That I may praise thy Name ; or, "that men may praise thy Name." David's deliverance from his enemies would cause the godly generally to "praise the Lord." The righteous shall compass me about ; rather, in me shall the righteous triumph (Kay, Cheyne). Viewing my cause as their own, they will glory in my deliverance (comp. Psalms 35:27... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:7

God's bountifulness. "Thou shalt deal bountifully with me." The point here seems to be that an unusual experience of the Divine goodness, in one particular case, excites the attention of others who trust in God, and becomes, for them, an inspiration to increased confidence in God. I. GOD 'S BOUNTIFULNESS AS OUR IMPRESSION OF GOD 'S DEALINGS WITH US . It is not the constant impression. Sometimes we have to say, "My purposes are broken off;" "He hath hedged up my... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:1

I cried unto the Lord with my voice - See the notes at Psalms 3:4, where the language is the same. He uttered a loud and audible prayer, though he was alone. It was not a mental ejaculation, but he gave expression to his desires.With my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication - See Psalms 30:8. The Hebrew word rendered “did make my supplication,” means to implore favor or mercy. It denotes the language of petition and entreaty, not the language of claim. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:2

I poured out my complaint before him - literally, my meditation; that is, What so much occupied my thoughts at the time I expressed aloud. The word “complaint” does not express the idea. The meaning is, not that he “complained” of God or of man; but that his mind “meditated” on his condition. He was full of care and of anxiety; and he went and poured this out freely before God. The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “my prayer.” See Psalms 55:2, where the same Hebrew word is used.I... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:2

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