Psalm 142:6

Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.

Study Bible

Attend to my cry
The psalmist begins with a heartfelt plea, urging God to pay attention to his desperate call for help. The Hebrew word for "cry" here is "rinnah," which can denote a shout of joy or a cry for help, depending on the context. In this verse, it is a cry of distress, reflecting the psalmist's deep need for divine intervention. This plea is a reminder of the intimate relationship between the believer and God, where one can openly express their deepest fears and needs, trusting that God is attentive and compassionate.

for I am brought very low
The phrase "brought very low" translates from the Hebrew "dalal," which means to be weak, thin, or impoverished. This expression captures the psalmist's state of utter vulnerability and helplessness. Historically, this could reflect a time of personal crisis or persecution, where the psalmist feels overwhelmed by circumstances beyond his control. It serves as a powerful reminder that in moments of profound weakness, believers are encouraged to turn to God, who is their strength and refuge.

Rescue me from my persecutors
Here, the psalmist calls for deliverance from those who pursue him with harmful intent. The term "persecutors" comes from the Hebrew "radaph," meaning to chase or pursue. This pursuit can be both physical and spiritual, representing any force that seeks to harm or oppress the believer. In a broader scriptural context, this plea for rescue is echoed throughout the Psalms, where God's deliverance is a recurring theme, affirming His role as a protector and savior of His people.

for they are too strong for me
Acknowledging the strength of his adversaries, the psalmist admits his own insufficiency in facing them alone. The phrase "too strong" underscores the overwhelming power of the opposition, which can be seen as a metaphor for any insurmountable challenge in life. This admission of weakness is not a sign of defeat but rather an act of faith, recognizing that true strength and victory come from reliance on God. It is a call to trust in God's omnipotence, knowing that He is greater than any earthly power or adversary.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often found himself in dire situations, pursued by enemies such as King Saul.

2. Cave of Adullam
A possible setting for this psalm, where David sought refuge while fleeing from Saul, highlighting his sense of isolation and desperation.

3. Pursuers
Represents the enemies or adversaries that David faced, symbolizing any overwhelming force or situation in a believer's life.

4. God
The ultimate rescuer and listener of David's cries, representing divine intervention and support.

5. Prayer
The act of crying out to God, which is central to this psalm and reflects a deep reliance on divine help.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging Our Weakness
Recognize that, like David, we often face situations that are too strong for us to handle alone. Admitting our limitations is the first step toward seeking God's help.

The Power of Prayer
David's cry to God demonstrates the importance of prayer as a means of communicating our deepest needs and fears to God. Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking divine intervention.

God as Our Rescuer
Trust in God's ability to rescue us from overwhelming circumstances. Just as David relied on God for deliverance, we too can have confidence in His power and faithfulness.

Finding Strength in God
In moments of weakness, we can find strength in God. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and He is always ready to support us when we call upon Him.

Community and Support
While David was physically alone, he was spiritually supported by God. This reminds us of the importance of seeking spiritual support and community in times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's situation in Psalm 142:6 reflect the challenges we face in our own lives today?

2. In what ways can we apply David's example of crying out to God in our personal prayer life?

3. How do other scriptures, such as 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, reinforce the message of finding strength in God during times of weakness?

4. What practical steps can we take to trust in God's ability to rescue us from situations that seem too strong for us?

5. How can we support others in our community who may feel overwhelmed by their own "pursuers" or challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 18:6
This verse also speaks of David crying out to God in distress, emphasizing the theme of seeking divine help in times of trouble.

1 Samuel 22:1-2
Describes David's time in the cave of Adullam, providing context for his feelings of being overwhelmed and pursued.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Paul speaks of God's strength being made perfect in weakness, paralleling David's acknowledgment of his own weakness and need for God's strength.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, echoing David's plea for rescue and relief.