Psalms 143
Tap any word to open its Greek or Hebrew word and Strong’s lexicon entry right here, and any name to open its Bible Dictionary entry. Read this chapter with JFB commentary · Search the Bible
THY WORD IS TRUTH
The Law
History
Poetry & Wisdom
The Prophets
The Gospels & Acts
The Letters
Prophecy
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150
Psalms 143
Hear My Prayer, O LORD, Give Ear to My Supplications
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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.
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.
The Pulpit Commentary
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications (comp. Psa_28:2; Psa_39:12; Psa_54:2; Psa_55:1, etc.). In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. In thy faithfulness to thy promises, since thou hast promised to hear prayer, and in thy mere righteousness, since it is right and just that thou shouldest do so, hearken unto me.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications (comp. Psa_28:2; Psa_39:12; Psa_54:2; Psa_55:1, etc.). In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. In thy faithfulness to thy promises, since thou hast promised to hear prayer, and in thy mere righteousness, since it is right and just that thou shouldest do so, hearken unto me.
2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2. enter ... judgment--deal not in strict justice.
shall no ... justified--or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Ro 3:20).
2. enter ... judgment--deal not in strict justice.
shall no ... justified--or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Ro 3:20).
The Pulpit Commentary
And enter not into judgment with thy servant. The psalmist, having touched the point of abstract justice, shrinks from pressing it. He knows that he is not "righteous before God," and that his life and conduct "cannot endure the severity of God's judgment" (Art. XII.). He therefore "deprecates a strictly retributive treatment" (Cheyne). For in thy sight shall no man living be justified (comp. Psa_130:3; and see also Job_4:17-19; Job_9:2; Job_15:14; Job_25:4).
And enter not into judgment with thy servant. The psalmist, having touched the point of abstract justice, shrinks from pressing it. He knows that he is not "righteous before God," and that his life and conduct "cannot endure the severity of God's judgment" (Art. XII.). He therefore "deprecates a strictly retributive treatment" (Cheyne). For in thy sight shall no man living be justified (comp. Psa_130:3; and see also Job_4:17-19; Job_9:2; Job_15:14; Job_25:4).
3For 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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).
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).
The Pulpit Commentary
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul. "The enemy" may be Saul, but is more probably an abstract expression—for "my enemies" generally. He hath smitten my life down to the ground; or, "crushed my life to the ground"—brought me, i.e; very low (comp. Psa_42:6). He hath made me to dwell in darkness (comp. Psa_88:6). As those that have been long dead. I have dwelt in a darkness like that of Sheol; i.e. in gloom and unhappiness (comp. Lam_3:6).
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul. "The enemy" may be Saul, but is more probably an abstract expression—for "my enemies" generally. He hath smitten my life down to the ground; or, "crushed my life to the ground"—brought me, i.e; very low (comp. Psa_42:6). He hath made me to dwell in darkness (comp. Psa_88:6). As those that have been long dead. I have dwelt in a darkness like that of Sheol; i.e. in gloom and unhappiness (comp. Lam_3:6).
4Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
The Pulpit Commentary
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; or, "faint within me" (see Psa_42:3). My heart within me is desolate (comp. Psa_40:15).
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; or, "faint within me" (see Psa_42:3). My heart within me is desolate (comp. Psa_40:15).
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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).
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).
The Pulpit Commentary
I remember the days of old. Still, in the midst of all my troubles, I do not despair—"I remember the days of old"—the great things which God has done for me in the past (comp. Psa_77:5, Psa_77:10, Psa_77:11). I meditate on all thy works; or, "on all thy doings." I muse on the work of thy hands (comp. Psa_77:12).
I remember the days of old. Still, in the midst of all my troubles, I do not despair—"I remember the days of old"—the great things which God has done for me in the past (comp. Psa_77:5, Psa_77:10, Psa_77:11). I meditate on all thy works; or, "on all thy doings." I muse on the work of thy hands (comp. Psa_77:12).
6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
The Pulpit Commentary
I stretch forth my hands unto thee. These recollections draw me to thee, O God, and make me stretch forth my hands in prayer to thee (Psa_141:2), and entreat thee for succor. My soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. As a parched and withered land. seems to look up to heaven and long for rain, so does my soul long for thee, O Lord, "and thy refreshing grace" (comp. Psa_42:1). The "pause-mark," "selah," at the end of the verse, at once gives time for secret prayer, and makes a division of the psalm into two parts.
I stretch forth my hands unto thee. These recollections draw me to thee, O God, and make me stretch forth my hands in prayer to thee (Psa_141:2), and entreat thee for succor. My soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. As a parched and withered land. seems to look up to heaven and long for rain, so does my soul long for thee, O Lord, "and thy refreshing grace" (comp. Psa_42:1). The "pause-mark," "selah," at the end of the verse, at once gives time for secret prayer, and makes a division of the psalm into two parts.
7Hear 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. spirit faileth--is exhausted.
7. spirit faileth--is exhausted.
The Pulpit Commentary
Hear me speedily, O Lord. Here the direct supplication of Psa_143:1 is taken up, and pressed. "Hear me, O Lord; and not only hear me, but that speedily. It is a time for haste" (comp. Psa_141:1). My spirit faileth; or, "fainteth" (LXX; ἐξέλιπε). Hide not thy face from me (comp. Psa_27:9; Psa_69:17; Psa_102:2). Lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit (see the comment on Psa_28:1).
Hear me speedily, O Lord. Here the direct supplication of Psa_143:1 is taken up, and pressed. "Hear me, O Lord; and not only hear me, but that speedily. It is a time for haste" (comp. Psa_141:1). My spirit faileth; or, "fainteth" (LXX; ἐξέλιπε). Hide not thy face from me (comp. Psa_27:9; Psa_69:17; Psa_102:2). Lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit (see the comment on Psa_28:1).
8Cause 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. (Compare Psa 25:1-4; 59:16).
the way ... walk--that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Psa 142:3-6).
8. (Compare Psa 25:1-4; 59:16).
the way ... walk--that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Psa 142:3-6).
The Pulpit Commentary
Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; i.e. early, speedily (comp. Psa_46:5; Psa_90:14). For in thee do I trust. His utter trust in God gives him a claim to be beard and helped. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; i.e. illumine me, so that I may perceive the course which I ought to follow (comp. Psa_5:8, "Make thy way straight before my face"). For I lift up my soul unto thee. Again, a sort of claim seems to be urged, as in clause 2.
Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; i.e. early, speedily (comp. Psa_46:5; Psa_90:14). For in thee do I trust. His utter trust in God gives him a claim to be beard and helped. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; i.e. illumine me, so that I may perceive the course which I ought to follow (comp. Psa_5:8, "Make thy way straight before my face"). For I lift up my soul unto thee. Again, a sort of claim seems to be urged, as in clause 2.
9Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. (Compare Psa 31:15-20).
9. (Compare Psa 31:15-20).
The Pulpit Commentary
Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies (comp. Psa_140:1, Psa_140:4; Psa_142:6). I flee unto thee to hide me; literally, to thee I hide myself, but probably with the meaning expressed in the Authorized Version.
Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies (comp. Psa_140:1, Psa_140:4; Psa_142:6). I flee unto thee to hide me; literally, to thee I hide myself, but probably with the meaning expressed in the Authorized Version.
10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. (Compare Psa 5:8; 27:11).
land of uprightness--literally, "an even land" (Psa 26:12).
10. (Compare Psa 5:8; 27:11).
land of uprightness--literally, "an even land" (Psa 26:12).
The Pulpit Commentary
Teach me to do thy will (comp. Psa_25:4, Psa_25:5; Psa_139:24). For thou art my God. Therefore my Guide and Teacher. Thy spirit is good; i.e. gracious and merciful. Lead ms into the land of uprightness; rather, along a land of smoothness. Some critics unite the last two clauses, and translate, "Let thy good Spirit lead me along a land of smoothness"—"conduct me," i.e. over smooth ground, where I need not stumble.
Teach me to do thy will (comp. Psa_25:4, Psa_25:5; Psa_139:24). For thou art my God. Therefore my Guide and Teacher. Thy spirit is good; i.e. gracious and merciful. Lead ms into the land of uprightness; rather, along a land of smoothness. Some critics unite the last two clauses, and translate, "Let thy good Spirit lead me along a land of smoothness"—"conduct me," i.e. over smooth ground, where I need not stumble.
11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. (Compare Psa 23:3; 119:156).
11. (Compare Psa 23:3; 119:156).
The Pulpit Commentary
Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Name's sake; i.e. give me fresh spiritual life (setup. Psa_119:25, Psa_119:37, Psa_119:50, Psa_119:88, Psa_119:93, etc.). For thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. To show how righteous thou art, i.e. how good and gracious.
Quicken me, O Lord, for thy Name's sake; i.e. give me fresh spiritual life (setup. Psa_119:25, Psa_119:37, Psa_119:50, Psa_119:88, Psa_119:93, etc.). For thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. To show how righteous thou art, i.e. how good and gracious.
12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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.
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.
The Pulpit Commentary
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies. In thy goodness towards me, remove those enemies whose conduct towards me has been described in Psa_143:3, Psa_143:4. And destroy all them that afflict my soul. This is David's ordinary prayer with respect to his enemies, whom be counts as God's adversaries, and the persecutors of faithful Israel (see Psa_5:10; Psa_7:9; Psa_10:15; Psa_28:4, Psa_28:5; Psa_35:4-6, Psa_35:8, etc.). For I am thy servant. Entitled, therefore, to thy special care and protection (comp. Psa_27:9; Psa_69:17; Psa_86:2, Psa_86:4, Psa_86:16; Psa_116:16, etc.).
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies. In thy goodness towards me, remove those enemies whose conduct towards me has been described in Psa_143:3, Psa_143:4. And destroy all them that afflict my soul. This is David's ordinary prayer with respect to his enemies, whom be counts as God's adversaries, and the persecutors of faithful Israel (see Psa_5:10; Psa_7:9; Psa_10:15; Psa_28:4, Psa_28:5; Psa_35:4-6, Psa_35:8, etc.). For I am thy servant. Entitled, therefore, to thy special care and protection (comp. Psa_27:9; Psa_69:17; Psa_86:2, Psa_86:4, Psa_86:16; Psa_116:16, etc.).
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 143
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
KING JAMES VERSION
HOLY
BIBLE
BIBLE
KING JAMES VERSION
TAP THE BIBLE TO OPEN IT
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — PSALM 119:105