02.142. Psalm 142

Psalm 142 Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. This psalm was framed by David when obliged by Saul’s persecution to hide himself in a cave, 1 Samuel 22:1 or 1 Samuel 24:3. It contains, (1.) Bitter complaints of the subtilty, strength, and malice of his enemies, and of the coldness and indifference of his friends, Psalms 142:1-4, Psalms 142:6. (2.) The comfort he took in God’s knowing his way, and in recognizing his claim to God as his portion, Psalms 142:3-5. (3.) His pleasant expectations that his God would deliver him, and that his fellow saints would join with him in thanksgiving for his deliverance, Psalms 142:6-7.

If all men forsake me, if all men harass me, let me cast my burdens on the Lord, that he may sustain me. Let me renew my believing claims to him as my Lord, my God, my Refuge, and my Portion. Let me rest firmly on his characters and promises, for his sympathy, help, and deliverance.