Psalms 142
Psalm 142 ▼▼sn Psalm 142. The psalmist laments his persecuted state and asks the Lord to deliver him from his enemies.
A well-written song ▼▼tn The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. The word is derived from a verb meaning “to be prudent; to be wise.” Various options are: “a contemplative song,” “a song imparting moral wisdom,” or “a skillful [i.e., well-written] song.” The term occurs in the superscriptions of Pss 32, 42, 44, 45, 52-55, 74, 78, 88, 89, and 142, as well as in Ps 47:7. by David, when he was in the cave; ▼▼sn According to the superscription, David wrote this psalm while in “the cave.” This probably refers to either the incident recorded in 1 Sam 22:1 or to the one recorded in 1 Sam 24:3. See the superscription of Ps 57. a prayer.
1 To the Lord I cry out; ▼▼tn Heb “[with] my voice to the Lord I cry out.”
to the Lord I plead for mercy. ▼
▼tn Heb “[with] my voice to the Lord I plead for mercy.”
2 I pour out my lament before him;
I tell him about ▼
▼tn Heb “my trouble before him I declare.”
my troubles. 3 Even when my strength leaves me, ▼
▼tn Heb “my spirit grows faint.”
you watch my footsteps. ▼
▼tn Heb “you know my path.”
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see.
No one cares about me. ▼
▼tn Heb “there is no one who recognizes me.”
I have nowhere to run; ▼
▼tn Heb “a place of refuge perishes from me.”
no one is concerned about my life. ▼
▼tn Heb “there is no one who seeks for the sake of my life.”
5 I cry out to you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my shelter,
my security ▼
▼tn Heb “my portion.” The psalmist compares the Lord to landed property, which was foundational to economic stability in ancient Israel.
in the land of the living.” 6 Listen to my cry for help,
for I am in serious trouble. ▼
▼tn Heb “for I am very low.”
Rescue me from those who chase me,
for they are stronger than I am.
7 Free me ▼
▼tn Heb “bring out my life.”
from prison that I may give thanks to your name.
Because of me the godly will assemble, ▼
▼tn Or “gather around.”
for you will vindicate me. ▼
▼tn The Hebrew idiom גָּמַל עַל (gamal ʿal) means “to repay,” here in a positive sense.
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