Psalms 142

Ver. 2. Let my prayer &c.] This verse plainly shews, that the Psalmist was then at a distance from the taber-

nacle, where all the solemn prayers of the Israelites, together with their daily sacrifices, were offered up. And therefore he begs that God would accept of all which it was in his power to perform, namely, the devotion of his heart, and the elevation of his hands in prayer; that the one might ascend to heaven, fragrant and well-pleasing as the cloud of “incense” mounting from the holy altar; and the other, in conjunction with it, prevail instead of the “evening oblation,” for the deliverance of himself and his companions. Bp. Horne.

Psalms 142:4

4. Incline not my heart] “O let not mine heart be inclined.” Old Translation.

— let me not eat of their dainties.] Let me not partake of their society.

Psalms 142:6

6. When their judges &c.] This passage has been variously rendered. According to our translation, the sense may be, “When their judges” (the leaders, principal persons of my enemies) “are overthrown in stony places,” endeavouring to escape into a place of safety, they will hearken to my counsels and offers, which they now despise. Poole.

Psalms 142:7

7. Our bones are scattered &c.] Expressing the great danger, in which he and his friends were, of being utterly destroyed by their enemies. Junius.

The chief security against the fruitless anguish of impatience, must arise from frequent reflection on the wisdom and goodness of the God of nature, in whose hands are riches and poverty, honour and disgrace, pleasure and pain, life and death. A settled conviction of the tendency of every thing to our good, and the possibility of turning miseries into happiness by receiving them rightly, will incline us to bless the name of the Lord, whether He gives or takes way. Dr. Johnson.

Psalm CXLII. This Psalm is entitled, “A prayer of K 2