Bible Commentaries
Psalms 142

Verses 1-7

PSALM 142

The godly man looks to the Lord as his only refuge when every other refuge has failed.

(vv. 1-2) In the midst of his sorrows the godly man finds relief in spreading his trouble before the Lord.

(vv. 3-5) Though his spirit is overwhelmed with grief, his confidence is that the Lord knows every detail of his path. All that follows in his prayer flows from this confidence that all is known to the Lord.

In his path there are snares for his feet hidden by the enemy; but nothing is hidden from the Lord who knows his path. There is no man that “knoweth” him, but the Lord knows. Every earthly refuge fails him, and no one cares for his soul. Misunderstood, cast out and neglected by man, he turns to the Lord to find in Him a refuge from every trial, and the source of every blessing - his “portion in the land of the living.”

(vv. 6-7) Having spread his trouble before the Lord, he looks for an answer to his cry, and deliverance from his persecutors. He takes the place where God can meet a needy soul, for he owns that he is “brought very low,” and that his enemies are “stronger” than himself.

Being brought out of trouble, he will be free to praise the Name of the Lord in company with the righteous. Having thus poured out his grief before the Lord he is made conscious that the Lord will deal bountifully with him.