Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 142:4-7

The psalmist here tells us, for our instruction, 1. How he was disowned and deserted by his friends, Ps. 142:4. When he was in favour at court he seemed to have a great interest, but when he was made an out-law, and it was dangerous for any one to harbour him (witness Ahimelech's fate), then no man would know him, but every body was shy of him. He looked on his right hand for an advocate (Ps. 109:31), some friend or other to speak a good word for him; but, since Jonathan's appearing for him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O Lord ,.... Finding no help from man, he turns to the Lord, and directs his prayer to him in his distress; I said, thou art my refuge ; as he was, from all his enemies that were in pursuit of him, and from the storm of calamities he apprehended was coming upon him: and a refuge the Lord is to all his people in time of trouble; and where they always meet with sustenance, protection, and safety; he being a strong habitation, a strong hold, a strong refuge, to which... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 142:5

Thou art my refuge - Even in these most disastrous circumstances, I will put my trust in thee. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 142:5

Verse 5 5.I cried unto thee, O Jehovah ! With a view to hasten God’s interposition, David complains of the low estate he was reduced to, and of his extremity; the term cry denoting vehemence, as I have elsewhere noticed. He speaks of deliverance as being plainly needed, since he was now held a prisoner. By prison some suppose he alludes to the cave where he was lodged, but this is too restricted a meaning. The subsequent clause, the righteous shall compass me, is translated differently by some,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

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 142:5

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

Group of Brands