Psalms
Summary
Psalm 142 is a powerful "maskil" of David, a contemplative prayer likely composed while he was hiding in a cave from King Saul. It captures the raw vulnerability of a man who feels completely isolated and overwhelmed, crying out to the LORD with a "loud voice." David describes his spirit as faint and his path as hidden by enemies, noting that there is no one who recognises him or cares for his life. In this place of total despair, he declares that the LORD is his refuge and his portion. It is a prayer for rescue from a prison of distress, ending with the hope that the righteous will gather around him when God deals bountifully with him.
I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
I cry to you, LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather around me because of your goodness to me.