3 The evil man has gone after my soul; my life is crushed down to the earth: he has put me in the dark, like those who have long been dead.
I am numbered among those who go down into the earth; I have become like a man for whom there is no help: My soul is among the dead, like those in the underworld, to whom you give no more thought; for they are cut off from your care. You have put me in the lowest deep, even in dark places.
Then again Abner said to Asahel, Go to one side, do not keep on coming after me: why will you make me put an end to you? for then I will be shamed before your brother Joab.
<Shiggaion of David; a song which he made to the Lord, about the words of Cush the Benjamite.> O Lord my God, I put my faith in you; take me out of the hands of him who is cruel to me, and make me free; So that he may not come rushing on my soul like a lion, wounding it, while there is no one to be my saviour.
Let my hater go after my soul and take it; let my life be crushed to the earth, and my honour into the dust. (Selah.)
From the evil-doers who are violent to me, and from those who are round me, desiring my death. They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride. They have made a circle round our steps: their eyes are fixed on us, forcing us down to the earth; Like a lion desiring its food, and like a young lion waiting in secret places. Up! Lord, come out against him, make him low, with your sword be my saviour from the evil-doer.
I have gone from men's minds and memory like a dead man; I am like a broken vessel. False statements against me have come to my ears; fear was on every side: they were talking together against me, designing to take away my life.
Let them be overcome and put to shame who make attempts to take my soul; let those who would do me damage be turned back and made foolish.
Give ear to my cry, for I am made very low: take me out of the hands of my haters, for they are stronger than I.
He has kept me in dark places, like those who have been long dead.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 143
Commentary on Psalms 143 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 143
Ps 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.
2. enter … judgment—deal not in strict justice.
shall no … justified—or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Ro 3:20).
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 Ps 40:15; 88:3-6).
5, 6. The distress is aggravated by the contrast of former comfort (Ps 22:3-5), for whose return he longs.
a thirsty land—which needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Ps 28:1; 89:17).
7. spirit faileth—is exhausted.
8. (Compare Ps 25:1-4; 59:16).
the way … walk—that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Ps 142:3-6).
9. (Compare Ps 31:15-20).
10. (Compare Ps 5:8; 27:11).
land of uprightness—literally, "an even land" (Ps 26:12).
11. (Compare Ps 23:3; 119:156).
12. God's mercy to His people is often wrath to His and their enemies (compare Ps 31:17).
thy servant—as chosen to be such, entitled to divine regard.