1. David’s desperate cry to Yahweh 142:1-2The psalmist spoke as though he was telling others how he had prayed on this occasion. He prayed audibly, probably out of a desire that God would surely hear him. He poured out what distressed him to God, like one pours water out of a pot, namely: completely. read more
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
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
When David had prayed to the Lord, he had expressed confidence that the Lord would defend him. God was his portion or allotment-all that he had. read more
3. David’s confident hope in God 142:5-7 read more
Again the psalmist begged God to help him escape from his overpowering enemies. He felt imprisoned, with no escape possible if God failed to save him. If God did deliver him he would thank the Lord, and other godly people would join David in his praise because of God’s abundant goodness.When God’s people feel forsaken by all other human allies, they may turn to the Lord-who is always with the righteous. God is able to deliver His own, even if there are no other helpers. [Note: See R. B. Allen,... read more
A prayer of a hunted soul: ascribed to David ’in the cave,’ but not likely to be by him.3. ’When my spirit is faint within me’ (then I remember) ’thou knowest my path.’7. Prison] metaphorical: cp. Psalms 107:10. Compass me about] RM ’crown themselves because of me.’ The meaning is, that they will rejoice with him in his rejoicing. read more
(1) I cried . . .—See Psalms 3:4, &c. read more
(2) I poured out.—See the same verb used in similar sense, Psalms 42:4; Psalms 62:8; and with the second clause comp. Psalms 107:6. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 142:7
7. (Compare :-). that I may praise—literally, "for praising," or, "that Thy name may be praised," that is, by the righteous, who shall surround me with sympathizing joy (Psalms 35:27). read more