Psalms 143
DOYLYVer. 1. I cried] Rather, I will cry. The whole of this Psalm seems to be an actual prayer. Bp. Horne.
Ver. 2. — for in thy sight shall &c.] For if Thou shouldest proceed according to the rigour of the law, the best man living would not be acquitted at thy tribunal. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 143:3
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When my spirit was overwhelmed &c.] Or, When my spirit is overwhelmed within me, then Thou knowest my path: in the way wherein I walk, have they privily laid a snare for me. The meaning is, Though my thoughts are so broken and confused, that I am not able to counsel and direct myself in these straits, yet Thou knowest the path wherein I walk, Thou art with me, and wilt preserve me from those who watch all my steps, and lie in ambush for me. Bp. Horne.
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— he hath made me to dwell &c.] He hath forced me to seek my safety in holes and obscure places in the wilderness, where I seem to be buried alive, without any hope of a resurrection. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 143:5
- — on the work of thy hands.] On what Thou hast done for others in the like distress. Bp. Wilson.
Psalms 143:6
- — as a thirsty land.] The circumstance of the lands of the East being subject to great dryness, which causes them to crack, affords the foundation of this figure, which is certainly extremely beautiful; for these thy lands have deep chinks, which “thirst” for the rain: this may be observed in India more than any where, a little before the rains fall, and wherever the lands are rich and hard. Harmer.
Psalms 143:7
- — out of prison.] That is, out of the cave in which he was confined. Bp. Patrick.
— the righteous shall compass me about:] To join my party and assist me.
The state of David in the cave of Adullain was a state of utter destitution; but in that disconsolate, and seemingly desperate situation, he desponded not. He had a Friend in heaven, into whose bosom he “poured forth his complaint,” and to whom he told the story of his trouble and distress. When danger besets us around, and fear is on every side, let us follow the example of David, and that of a greater than David, who, when the Jews and Gentiles conspired against Him, and He was
prayer. 7 He prayeth for grace, 9 for deliverance, 10 for sanctification, 12 for destruction of his enemies.
¶ A Psalm of David.
HEAR my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
Psalms 143:8
- — in the morning:] That is, speedily. Dimock.