Psalms 142
Read Psalms 142 (WEB)+
1I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy. 2I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles. 3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me. 4Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul. 5I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 6Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than me. 7Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"I cry to you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'"”
Psalms 142:5
Summary
Psalms 142 is a prayer of lament and supplication by David, written when he was in a cave seeking refuge from his enemies. The chapter opens with David crying out to the Lord, expressing his distress and overwhelm at his situation. He vividly describes his feeling of being trapped and abandoned. As he pours out his complaints and tells God of his troubles, he acknowledges God as his refuge and portion in the land of the living. Amidst his plea, David highlights his isolation, noting that no one is at his right hand and there is no one concerned for his welfare. He feels utterly alone and forsaken. However, he continues to trust in God, asking for deliverance from his persecutors, who are too strong for him. The psalm concludes on a hopeful note as David vows to praise God when he brings him out of his prison-like state, confident that the righteous will gather around him in support. This psalm underlines themes of vulnerability and reliance on God amidst adversity, personal intimacy with God through prayer, and the importance of faith even in dire circumstances. Theologically, it emphasizes God's role as a refuge and the believer's ultimate hope and deliverance, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of faith.
Key Themes
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Psalms 142
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.