Bible Commentaries
Psalms 143

Verses 1-12

Psalms 143

Penitential Psalm

Scripture v. 1-12:

This is the seventh and last of David’s penitential Psalms , 138-143. Each was offered for himself, as anointed king, and his people Israel. In each he offered petitions to God for relief against oppression from his enemies and asked for God’s forgiveness toward himself and Israel.

Verse 1 asks for the Lord to hear him and give heed to his supplications, on the two-fold ground of God’s righteousness, in all His acts, and His faithfulness to all His promises, to vindicate His people and to judge the unrighteous, 2Samuel ch. 7: Psalms 36:5-6.

Verse 2 Intercedes, "And enter not into judgment with thy servant;" David himself, for his many shortcomings, as He might justly do in absolute definitive justice, Job 14:3; Psalms 130:3. He added, "For in thy sight, Habakkuk 1:13: (in comparison with your absolute holiness in character) shall no man living be justified," for none has absolute righteousness, Exodus 34:7; Job 4:17; Job 9:2-3; Job 15:14; Job 25:4; 1 Kings 8:46; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; 1 John 1:10.

Verses 3,4 add that David’s enemies had: 1) persecuted his soul-life; 2) smitten his life to the ground, in humility; 3) made him reside in darkness, of the cave and sorrow; and 4) made him like those long dead, without usefulness and long forgotten, by most men; He therefore declares that his spirit is crushed and his heart is desolate or empty, La 3:6; Psalms 142:3; Psalms 127:3; Isaiah 59:16; Isaiah 63:5; Daniel 8:27.

Verse 5 recounts that David remembered the days of old, adding, "I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands," being pained that God was so long coming to his rescue now, v. 3; Psalms 72:4-7; Psalms 92:5.

Verse 6 asserts that, "I stretch forth my hands unto thee," to be rescued, "my soul thirsteth (continually) after thee, as a thirsty (sun parched and wind blown) land," Selah ... meditate on my desperation call of faith, Psalms 88:9; Psalms 63:1.

Verses 7, 8 continue asking the Lord to hear speedily (at once) because his spirit was fainting, failing, Galatians 6:9; He pled for God

to hide not His face (or turn not away) from him lest he be like those who, "go down into the pit," beyond hope of relief on this earth, Psalms 102:2; Psalms 69:17; Psalms 39:10. See also Psalms 28:1; Psalms 88:4.
Verse 8 adds "cause me to know (realize) thy loving-kindness in the morning, and know (recognize) the way wherein I should walk," conduct myself before you and my people. He concluded, "For in thee do I trust, I lift up my soul unto thee," for refuge, help, and to praise you, Psalms 51:8; Psalms 59:16; Psalms 46:5; Psalms 90:14; 2 Samuel 23:4; See also Psalms 25:1-2; Psalms 86:4; Psalms 142:3; Psalms 5:8; Psalms 25:4-5.

Verse 9 appeals "Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies; I flee unto thee to hide me," in thy refuge, safety, or security, Psalms 142:6; Psalms 27:5; Psalms 31:20.

Verse 10 asks the Lord to "teach me," I am teachable, "to do thy will, for thou art my God;" I want spiritual guidance he pled. He added, "thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness," away from the present calamities, Psalms 25:4; Micah 4:2; Matthew 28:20; Colossians 1:9-10; Hebrews 13:21. See also John 14:26; John 16:13-15; Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Timothy 1:14.

Verses 11, 12 ask the Lord to revive David, and bring him out of trouble for His own name (of honor) and righteousness’ sake, Psalms 138:7.
Verse 12 adds, "And of (out of) thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy them all that afflict my soul: for I am (exist as) thy servant," free servant, available to do your will, Psalms 18:40; Psalms 31:15; Psalms 54:5; Psalms 116:16.