◄ Psalm 143 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
I Stretch Out My Hands to You A Psalm of David. 1 O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me. 2Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. 3For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. 4My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me. 5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands. 6I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah 7Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit. 8Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. 9Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.a 10Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 11For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. 12And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant. Footnotes: 9 a LXX and one Hebrew manuscript; most Hebrew manuscripts in You I take cover Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 143 Summary I Stretch Out My Hands to You Verses 1–2 – Plea for Righteous Mercy David begs the LORD to hear him, leaning on God’s faithfulness and righteousness, not his own. He knows that if God weighed every human life in perfect justice, “no one alive is righteous.” Mercy, therefore, is his only hope. Verses 3–4 – Crushing Darkness An enemy has hunted David down, pressed him to the ground, and shoved him into emotional night. His spirit feels faint, his heart stunned and numb. Verses 5–6 – Memory That Revives Hope Refusing to drown in despair, David pulls out the ledger of God’s past deeds—creation, covenant, rescue—and ponders them. Remembering fuels fresh longing; like dry land gulping rain, his soul stretches toward God. Verses 7–8 – Urgent Cry for Guidance Time feels short. “Answer me quickly,” he pleads, or he will sink like the dead. He asks to hear of God’s loving devotion at daybreak and to be taught the right path. Verses 9–10 – Dependence on God’s Spirit David flees to God as his only refuge. He prays not merely for rescue but for instruction: “Teach me to do Your will.” He trusts the “good Spirit” to steer him onto level, safe ground. Verses 11–12 – Vindication for the Servant Everything now rests on God’s name. For that name’s sake, David asks for revival, deliverance, and finally the cutting off of every enemy. He closes with the humble badge of identity: “I am Your servant.” Psalm 143 is a potent psalm of David that presents a deep, heartfelt cry to God in times of distress and spiritual desolation. The Psalmist, enveloped in anguish and desolation, calls out to God for deliverance and guidance, laying bare his frailty and dependence on divine intervention. In the midst of his despair, the psalmist also expresses his yearning for God's presence, reflecting on His past deeds, and clinging onto His steadfast love and faithfulness. Authorship and Setting The psalm is attributed to David. The vocabulary of pursuit, darkness, and pleading fits seasons when he fled Saul (1 Samuel 19–26) or Absalom (2 Samuel 15–18). Either period placed him in arid Judean wilderness and dank caves—an ideal backdrop for “my soul thirsts… like a parched land” and fear of “the Pit” (cisterns and cave tombs scattered across the region). Structure and Flow 1. Invocation and admission of guilt (1–2) 2. Description of distress (3–4) 3. Meditation on God’s former works (5–6) 4. Rapid-fire petitions (7–10) 5. Commitment to God’s honor and the servant’s rescue (11–12) The psalm moves from problem to prayer to praise-tinged confidence, a typical Davidic arc. Key Themes • Divine faithfulness and righteousness (v. 1) match Exodus 34:6–7. • Universal human shortfall (v. 2) echoes Job 4:17 and Romans 3:10–23. • Memory as fuel for faith (v. 5) mirrors Deuteronomy 8:2. • God’s Spirit guiding (v. 10) anticipates Isaiah 63:14 and John 16:13. • Servant identity (v. 12) ties to Moses (Numbers 12:7) and the Messiah (Isaiah 42:1). Language and Imagery • “Darkness like those long dead” paints a picture of ancient tombs cut into the rock. • “Parched land” evokes Judea’s wadi beds; archaeologists note flash-flood lines that form overnight, matching the thirst-then-refresh motif. • “The Pit” (Hebrew bor) refers both to a grave and to cistern prisons (cf. Jeremiah 38:6). Connections to the Life of David • 1 Samuel 22:5 records David hiding in the forest of Hereth, where desolation and thirst were real. • 2 Samuel 15:30 shows him climbing the Mount of Olives barefoot, weeping—the emotional tone of verses 3–4. • In 1 Samuel 24, David spares Saul in a cave; the cave’s gloom easily parallels “dwelling in darkness.” Archaeological and Historical Insights • Scroll fragments from Qumran (e.g., 11QPs-a) include Psalm 143, proving its circulation centuries before Christ. • Judean desert caves reveal water-carved chambers that become deadly pits—visual anchors for David’s metaphors. • Inscriptions at Khirbet Qeiyafa mention “righteousness” (ṣdq) in judicial contexts, supporting the psalm’s linkage of God’s righteousness with deliverance. Echoes in the Prophets • Isaiah 55:6 urges the nation to “seek the LORD while He may be found,” an expansion of David’s “Answer me quickly.” • Jeremiah 10:23 confesses, “A man’s way is not his own…,” paralleling the plea “Teach me the way I should walk.” • Ezekiel 36:27 promises God’s Spirit will “cause you to walk in My statutes,” a corporate scale-up of verse 10. Messianic Foreshadowing and New Testament Use • Jesus quotes the surrounding psalms on the cross (Psalm 31:5; 22:1); Psalm 143 shares the same trust-under-siege atmosphere. • Luke 1:78 speaks of the “dawn from on high,” echoing the hope of hearing God’s love “in the morning” (v. 8). • Romans 3:20–24 picks up the thought that “no one alive is righteous,” but God’s righteousness rescues through Christ. • Galatians 2:20 shows the believer, like David, dying to self and living by trust in God’s Son, the ultimate refuge. Practical Application for Believers Today • Admit need: verse 2 levels everyone before God; self-reliance collapses. • Remember: intentional recall of past deliverance (v. 5) counteracts present panic. • Pray Scripture: David recites God’s attributes back to Him (faithfulness, righteousness, loving devotion). • Yield to the Spirit: asking for inner guidance (v. 10) keeps rescue from becoming mere self-preservation. • Seek God’s honor: tying personal deliverance to God’s name (v. 11) transforms a survival cry into worship. Links to Corporate Worship in Israel • Listed among the seven traditional “Penitential Psalms” (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) recited during fasts. • The phrase “Teach me to do Your will” became part of synagogue morning liturgy. • Early church lectionaries placed Psalm 143 before communion, highlighting dependence on mercy. Final Word Psalm 143 invites every generation to bring its heaviest darkness to the God whose dawn never fails. David’s song turns caves into sanctuaries and deserts into classrooms where the Spirit leads on level ground. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 25:4-5 Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Teaching Points Cry for Mercy David begins with an earnest plea for God's attention and mercy. O LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness, come to my relief (Psalm 143:1). This sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing the need for divine intervention. Acknowledgment of Human Frailty David acknowledges his own unworthiness, stating, Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You (Psalm 143:2). This humility is crucial in approaching God. Desperation and Despair David vividly describes his dire situation, For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead (Psalm 143:3). This paints a picture of his deep distress and need for God's deliverance. Remembrance of God's Past Works David reflects on God's past deeds, I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands (Psalm 143:5). This reflection strengthens his faith and hope. A Plea for Guidance and Deliverance David seeks God's guidance, Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10). He desires to align his life with God's will. Practical Applications Seek God's Mercy In times of trouble, approach God with humility and a sincere heart, asking for His mercy and intervention. Acknowledge Our Limitations Recognize our own frailty and unworthiness, understanding that we rely on God's grace rather than our own righteousness. Reflect on God's Faithfulness Regularly meditate on God's past faithfulness and works in your life to strengthen your trust in Him. Desire God's Will Actively seek to know and do God's will, asking for His guidance and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Trust in God's Deliverance Even in the darkest times, hold onto the hope that God will deliver and guide you. People 1. David The author of the psalm, who is crying out to God for help. He is depicted as a servant of God, seeking mercy and deliverance from his enemies. David's plea reflects his deep reliance on God and his acknowledgment of his own frailty and need for divine intervention. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The primary recipient of David's prayer. In the Hebrew text, the name used is "Yahweh," which is often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. David appeals to God's faithfulness and righteousness, asking for guidance and deliverance. The psalm emphasizes God's role as a just and merciful deity who listens to the cries of His people. 3. The Enemy While not named specifically, David refers to his adversaries as "the enemy" who pursues his soul. This term can be understood as both literal enemies in David's life and metaphorical representations of spiritual or moral struggles. The Hebrew word used here is "אֹיֵב" (oyev), which generally means an adversary or foe. Places 1. The Land of the Living In verse 5, David reflects on the days of old and meditates on all God's works, which can be seen as a metaphorical place where God's presence and past deeds are remembered. The "land of the living" is a concept found in Hebrew thought, referring to the realm of life and God's active engagement with His people. 2. The Pit In verse 7, David pleads, "Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit." The "Pit" (Hebrew: בּוֹר, "bor") is often used in the Hebrew Bible to symbolize Sheol or the grave, a place of darkness and separation from the living. 3. The Way In verse 8, David asks God to "show me the way I should walk," which can be understood as a metaphorical path or journey in life. The "way" (Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ, "derek") signifies the moral and spiritual path that aligns with God's will. 4. The Land of Uprightness In verse 10, David requests, "Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground." The "land of uprightness" (Hebrew: אֶרֶץ מִישׁוֹר, "eretz mishor") is a metaphorical place representing a life lived in righteousness and alignment with God's truth. Events 1. David's Plea for God's Attention David begins by earnestly asking the Lord to hear his prayer and give ear to his supplications. He appeals to God's faithfulness and righteousness. (Psalm 143:1) 2. Acknowledgment of Human Unrighteousness David acknowledges that no one living is righteous before God, highlighting the universal need for God's mercy. (Psalm 143:2) 3. Description of Enemy Persecution David describes how his enemy has pursued and crushed his life to the ground, making him dwell in darkness like those long dead. (Psalm 143:3) 4. Expression of Inner Turmoil David expresses that his spirit is overwhelmed and his heart is appalled within him, indicating deep distress and despair. (Psalm 143:4) 5. Remembrance of God's Past Works David reflects on the days of old and meditates on all the works of God, considering the work of His hands. (Psalm 143:5) 6. Longing for God's Presence David stretches out his hands to God, expressing his soul's thirst for Him like a parched land. (Psalm 143:6) 7. Urgent Request for a Quick Response David urgently asks God to answer him quickly, fearing that his spirit will fail if God remains silent. (Psalm 143:7) 8. Desire for God's Loving Devotion David requests to hear of God's loving devotion in the morning, for he trusts in God. He seeks guidance on the way he should walk. (Psalm 143:8) 9. Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies David asks to be delivered from his enemies, seeking refuge in God. (Psalm 143:9) 10. Request for Divine Teaching and Guidance David asks God to teach him to do His will and to lead him on level ground, acknowledging God as his God. (Psalm 143:10) 11. Appeal for Preservation of Life David appeals to God to preserve his life for His name's sake and to bring him out of trouble in His righteousness. (Psalm 143:11) 12. Request for Destruction of Enemies Finally, David asks God to silence and destroy all his enemies and adversaries, for he is God's servant. (Psalm 143:12) Lessons from Psalm 143 1. Seek God’s Mercy in Times of Trouble Psalm 143 begins with a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy: “Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy!” (Psalm 143:1). When life feels overwhelming, remember that God is always ready to listen. Approach Him with humility and trust, knowing that His mercy is abundant and His love is steadfast. 2. Acknowledge Human Frailty The psalmist acknowledges, “Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You” (Psalm 143:2). Recognizing our own limitations and imperfections is crucial. It reminds us of our need for God’s grace and keeps us grounded in humility, allowing us to rely on His strength rather than our own. 3. Remember God’s Past Faithfulness Reflecting on God’s past deeds can strengthen our faith. The psalmist says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works” (Psalm 143:5). By recalling how God has been faithful in the past, we can find hope and encouragement for the present and future, trusting that He will continue to guide us. 4. Thirst for God’s Presence The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God: “My soul thirsts for You like a parched land” (Psalm 143:6). Cultivate a desire for God’s presence in your life. Just as physical thirst drives us to seek water, let your spiritual thirst drive you to seek a closer relationship with God through prayer and Scripture. 5. Trust in God’s Unfailing Love “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You” (Psalm 143:8). Start each day by reminding yourself of God’s unfailing love. This assurance can provide peace and confidence, helping you face whatever challenges the day may bring with a heart full of trust. 6. Seek God’s Guidance The psalmist prays, “Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8). In every decision, seek God’s guidance. His wisdom is perfect, and He promises to direct our paths when we acknowledge Him. Let His Word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. 7. Depend on God’s Deliverance “Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge” (Psalm 143:9). When faced with adversity, remember that God is your refuge and strength. Depend on Him for deliverance, knowing that He is mighty to save and will protect you from harm. 8. Pursue God’s Will The psalmist desires to do God’s will: “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God” (Psalm 143:10). Make it your goal to align your actions with God’s will. Seek His direction in all areas of your life, and be willing to follow where He leads, trusting that His plans are for your good. 9. Find Comfort in God’s Spirit “May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10). The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Guide. Lean on Him for strength and direction, allowing His presence to bring peace and clarity to your life. Trust that He will lead you on a path that is steady and secure. 10. Rest in God’s Righteousness The psalm concludes with a plea for God’s righteousness: “For Your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble” (Psalm 143:11). Rest in the assurance that God’s righteousness will prevail. He is faithful to His promises and will uphold you with His righteous right hand. Topics 1. Plea for Mercy and Deliverance The psalmist begins with a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and deliverance, acknowledging human frailty and the need for divine intervention. The Hebrew root for "mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed) emphasizes God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. Psalm 143:1 states, "O LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness, answer me." 2. Confession of Sinfulness The psalmist confesses human sinfulness and the inability to stand righteous before God. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of sin (חָטָא, chata) as missing the mark. Psalm 143:2 says, "Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You." 3. Description of Persecution and Distress The psalmist describes the intense persecution and distress faced, using vivid imagery to convey the depth of suffering. The Hebrew word for "enemy" (אוֹיֵב, oyev) highlights the adversarial nature of the psalmist's plight. Psalm 143:3-4 states, "For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead." 4. Remembrance of God's Past Works The psalmist reflects on God's past deeds and wonders, drawing strength and hope from His historical acts of deliverance. The Hebrew root זָכַר (zakar) for "remember" underscores the importance of recalling God's faithfulness. Psalm 143:5 says, "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands." 5. Longing for God's Presence and Guidance There is a deep longing for God's presence and guidance, expressed through a metaphor of thirst. The Hebrew word for "thirst" (צָמֵא, tsame) conveys an intense spiritual yearning. Psalm 143:6 states, "I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land." 6. Request for Quick Response and Deliverance The psalmist urgently requests a swift response from God, fearing the consequences of divine silence. The Hebrew root מַהֵר (maher) for "quickly" emphasizes the urgency of the plea. Psalm 143:7 says, "Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit." 7. Desire for Instruction and Righteous Living The psalmist seeks God's instruction and desires to live righteously, asking for guidance on the right path. The Hebrew word for "teach" (לָמַד, lamad) indicates a desire for divine wisdom and understanding. Psalm 143:10 states, "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground." 8. Hope in God's Unfailing Love and Justice The psalm concludes with hope in God's unfailing love and justice, trusting in His ability to deliver and vindicate. The Hebrew root for "love" (חֶסֶד, chesed) again highlights God's covenantal loyalty. Psalm 143:12 says, "And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies; destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant." Themes 1. Plea for Mercy and Deliverance The psalmist begins with a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and deliverance, acknowledging human frailty and the need for divine intervention. The Hebrew root for "mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed) emphasizes God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. Psalm 143:1 states, "O LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness, come to my relief." 2. Confession of Sinfulness The psalmist confesses human sinfulness and the inability to stand righteous before God. This theme highlights the need for humility and repentance. Psalm 143:2 says, "Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You." 3. Desperation and Persecution The psalmist describes a state of desperation due to persecution by enemies, which serves as a metaphor for spiritual struggles. The Hebrew word for "enemy" (אוֹיֵב, oyev) can also imply adversaries in a broader sense. Psalm 143:3-4 reflects this: "For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead." 4. Remembrance of God's Past Works Reflecting on God's past deeds provides hope and encouragement. The psalmist recalls God's faithfulness, which serves as a foundation for trust. Psalm 143:5 states, "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands." 5. Longing for God's Presence There is a deep longing for God's presence and guidance, emphasizing the importance of spiritual intimacy. The Hebrew root for "thirst" (צָמֵא, tsame) conveys an intense desire. Psalm 143:6 expresses this: "I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land." 6. Guidance and Instruction The psalmist seeks divine guidance and instruction, recognizing the need for God's direction in life. This theme underscores reliance on God's wisdom. Psalm 143:8-10 includes, "Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul." 7. Deliverance from Enemies A recurring theme is the request for deliverance from enemies, symbolizing the struggle against evil and adversity. Psalm 143:11-12 concludes with, "For Your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies and destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant." Prayer Points Pray for God's Mercy Ask God to hear your prayers and extend His mercy in your current circumstances. Pray for Humility Seek a humble heart that acknowledges your need for God's grace and righteousness. Pray for Remembrance Request the Holy Spirit's help in remembering God's past faithfulness and works in your life. Pray for Guidance Ask God to teach you His will and lead you by His Spirit on a path of righteousness. Pray for Deliverance Trust in God's power to deliver you from any distress or challenge you face. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 143:2 states no one living is righteous; how does this align with passages naming certain individuals as righteous elsewhere in the Bible? 2. Psalm 143 speaks of persistent enemies; is there historical or archaeological evidence corroborating David’s conflicts at the time? 3. Psalm 143:5 references God’s works of old; can we find verifiable historical records or artifacts to support these events? 4. Psalm 143:7 warns of descending into “the pit”; does this concept have any scientific or historical grounding beyond the Hebrew worldview? 5. If Psalm 143:1 depicts urgent pleas for divine intervention, why does an all-powerful God seem to delay or remain silent in times of distress? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 143 describe the feelings of being overwhelmed by despair and spiritual desolation? 2. What does David's prayer in verses 1-2 reveal about his understanding of God's character? 3. How does David's acknowledgment of universal human sinfulness influence his approach to God in prayer? 4. Why does David reflect on God's past deeds during his moment of despair? 5. In what ways does Psalm 143 show the power of prayer during challenging times? 6. How can we apply David's actions in verses 5-6 to our own lives when we experience despair or uncertainty? 7. How does the metaphor of the 'parched land' in verse 6 illustrate David's yearning for God? 8. How does David demonstrate his reliance on God's mercy and guidance in verses 7-9? 9. How can we follow David's example in seeking God's guidance and deliverance during trials? 10. How can David's prayerful plea in Psalm 143 inspire us in our personal spiritual journey? 11. In what ways does David's appeal for God's swift intervention highlight the urgency of his situation? 12. What does David's plea for deliverance from his enemies teach us about our own struggles with spiritual enemies? 13. How can this Psalm guide us in dealing with feelings of hopelessness or despair in modern life? 14. How does the imagery used in Psalm 143 help us to understand David's emotional state? 15. If David were living in the modern world, how might his prayer in Psalm 143 look different? 16. How can you incorporate David's prayer strategies into your personal spiritual practices? 17. How does Psalm 143 affirm God's character as a protector and deliverer? 18. How can you apply the lessons from Psalm 143 to help you handle feelings of being overwhelmed in today's fast-paced society? 19. How can reflecting on God's past deeds, as David does, provide comfort and hope in the present day? 20. How can the message of Psalm 143 guide you in navigating personal crises and maintain your faith in God's faithfulness? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions