> [[psalm-141|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-143|Next →]] --- # Psalm 142 ## A Prayer in Time of Trouble 1 A *maskil* of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. 2 With my own voice I cry to the LORD; with my own voice I beseech the LORD. 3 Before him I pour out my complaint, tell of my distress in front of him. 4 When my spirit is faint within me, you know my path. As I go along this path, they have hidden a trap for me. 5 I look to my right hand to see that there is no one willing to acknowledge me. My escape has perished; no one cares for me. 6 I cry out to you, LORD, I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. 7 Listen to my cry for help, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. 8 Lead my soul from prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Then the righteous shall gather around me because you have been good to me. \* (Psalm 142) In this lament imploring God for help ([Ps 142:2] – [4]), the psalmist tells how enemies have set a trap ([Ps 142:4] – [5]), and prays for rescue ([Ps 142:6] – [8]). The speaker feels utterly alone ([Ps 142:5]), exhausted ([Ps 142:7]), and may even be imprisoned ([Ps 142:7]). Prison is possibly a metaphor for general distress. The last two verses are the vow of praise, made after receiving an assurance of divine help ([Ps 142:7]). \* (142:1) In the cave: cf. [1 Sm 22:1]; [24:1] – [3]; [Ps 57:1]. \* (142:8) Then the righteous shall gather around me: in the Temple, when the psalmist offers a thanksgiving sacrifice. a. (142:4) [Ps 143:4]. b. (142:4) [Ps 139:24]. c. (142:4) [Ps 141:9]. d. (142:5) ([[psalm-16|Ps 16]]:8]; [73:23]; [121:5]. e. (142:6) [Ps 91:2], [9]. f. (142:6) ([[psalm-16|Ps 16]]:5]; [27:13]; [116:9]; [Is 38:11]. g. (142:7) [Ps 79:8]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-141|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-143|Next →]]