Bible Commentaries
Psalms 143

Verses 1-12

CXLIII. There is no internal argument to justify the LXX title, “ A Ps. of [or by] David when his son persecuted him.” On the contrary, it contains reminiscences of other and those late Psalms 143:3 b is borrowed from Lamentations 3:6, for clearly the author of the latter passage is more vigorous and original than the author of the Ps. The theme is an ordinary one. The Psalmist prays for deliverance from his foes, who have brought him to death’ s door, and imprecates vengeance upon them.

But we should notice one or two points important for religious history. The “ righteousness of God” here and in other writers later than Deuteronomy is equivalent to faithfulness, and especially the fidelity with which God delivers and guides His people ( cf. Psalms 5:8; Psalms 31:1; Psalms 71:2; Psalms 89:16; Psalms 119:40). Next, in contrast to the self-complacency which finds frequent expression in the Pss., the Psalmist confesses that no man is just before God ( cf. Job 4:17). Finally, the Psalmist prays that God’ s good spirit may lead him in the straight path (so read for “ land,” which is meaningless here). God is to teach to His suppliant what His will is, and instruct him how to do it. For this spiritual conception of piety compare “ thy holy spirit” in Psalms 51:11. In Psalms 143:8 read, “ Satisfy me with thy loving-kindness.”