PSALM 143

Ps 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.

2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

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

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

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.

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 Ps 40:15; 88:3-6).

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.

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

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

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.

7. spirit faileth-is exhausted.

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.

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

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

9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

9. (Compare Ps 31:15-20).

10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

10. (Compare Ps 5:8; 27:11).

land of uprightness-literally, "an even land" (Ps 26:12).

11 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

11. (Compare Ps 23:3; 119:156).

12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

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

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