Psalms 142

David being fled before Saul, and hid in a Cave, his spirit overwhelmed, he cries unto the LORD for help.

1. An instruction of David; [see Psalms 32:1.] a prayer, when he was in the Cave. [David relateth here, how he carried himself i the Cave at Engedi, or Adullam, being fled thither by reason of the fierce persecution of Saul, 1 Sam.22.v.1. and 24.4.]

2. I called with my voice on the LORD, I did supplicate with my voice to the LORD.

3. I poured out my complaint before his face: I made known before his face my distress.

4. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me; [See Psalm 102. The Annot.on v.1.] thou knewest my path: [Thou O Lord, the meaning is, though I knew not which way to chuse to turn; yet thou knewest it well, shewing me the way and means, whereby to escape and namely, and his followers] had hid a snare for me, [i.e. laid it in a hidden or obscure place] upon the way which I was to go.

5. I looked forth on the right hand, and behold, there was no man that knew me, [viz. To help or assist me] there was no escaping for me: [Hebr. The escaping was lost (or perish) from me, i.e. I knew not wither to fly. Compare Job 11:20.] no man took care [Hebr. Sought, or enquired] for my soul. [for me, my life or preservation. So Prov.29.10. see the Annot. Deut.11.on v.12. and compare 2 Sam.4.on v.8.]

6. I called unto thee, O LORD: [viz. When I was in that straight and trouble] I said, Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. [i.e. mine inheritance, whereupon I rely, as long as I live in this world. See Psalms 27:13. Isa.38.11. and 33.8.]

7. Attend unto cry, for I am much consumed, [Heb. Grown thine] rescue me from my persecutors, for they are mightier then I.

8. Lead my soul, [Me, my person] out of the prison, [Hebr. Out of the shutting up; being shut up in prison as it were with my people, by mine enemies encompassing of us round about] for to praise thy Name: the righteous [the godly party among Gods people] shall encompass me, [or in a crown as it were surround me; namely, to look upon me with admiration, and praise, and thank thee, O lord, together with me, for the wonderful favour and deliverance which thou hast shewed me] When thou shalt have done well by me. [i.e. when thou shalt have brought me once to rest and establish me in a good and prosperous condition.]