Psalms 143

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. 2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. 3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. 4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. 6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. 7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. 10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. 12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 143:1

PSALM 143

Psa 143:1-12. In structure and style, like the preceding (Psalms 104-142), this Psalm is clearly evinced to be David's. It is a prayer for pardon, and for relief from enemies; afflictions, as usual, producing confession and penitence.

1. in thy faithfulness ... and ... righteousness--or, God's regard to the claims which He has permitted His people to make in His covenant.

Psalms 143:2

2. enter ... judgment--deal not in strict justice.

shall no ... justified--or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Ro 3:20).

Psalms 143:3-4

3-4. The exciting reason for his prayer--his afflictions--led to confession as just made: he now makes the complaint.

as those that have been long dead--deprived of life's comforts (compare Psa 40:15; 88:3-6).

Psalms 143:5-6

5-6. The distress is aggravated by the contrast of former comfort (Psa 22:3-5), for whose return he longs.

a thirsty land--which needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Psa 28:1; 89:17).

Psalms 143:7

7. spirit faileth--is exhausted.

Psalms 143:8

8. (Compare Psa 25:1-4; 59:16).

the way ... walk--that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Psa 142:3-6).

Psalms 143:12

12. God's mercy to His people is often wrath to His and their enemies (compare Psa 31:17).

thy servant--as chosen to be such, entitled to divine regard.

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