◄ Psalm 142 ►
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I Lift My Voice to the LORD (1 Samuel 22:1–5; Psalm 57:1–11) A Maskila of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. 1 I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. 2I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. 3Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. 4Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. 5I cry to You, O LORD: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” 6Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. 7Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me. Footnotes: 1 a Maskil is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 32, 42, 44–45, 52–55, 74, 78, 88–89, and 142. 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 142 Summary I Lift My Voice to the LORD Verses 1–2 – Pouring Out the Complaint David lifts his voice in an audible, passionate plea. He doesn’t hide his distress but “cries aloud” and “pours out” his troubles before the LORD, trusting that God welcomes unfiltered honesty. Verse 3 – When My Spirit Faints Exhausted and cornered, David admits that his spirit “grows faint.” Even so, he remembers that God “knows” the path he must walk, including every hidden trap set by enemies. Verse 4 – No One Cares for My Soul Looking around, David sees no ally: “no one acknowledges me.” Isolation pushes him closer to God as his only “refuge,” exposing the fickleness of human help. Verse 5 – You Are My Refuge He consciously shifts from despair to faith: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” In the cave’s darkness he seizes the greater inheritance found in the LORD Himself. Verses 6–7 – Bring Me Out of Prison David pleads for rescue “that I may give thanks to Your name.” Anticipating deliverance, he envisions “the righteous” gathering around him once God answers, turning private anguish into public praise. Psalm 142, penned by David during a time of intense personal hardship and isolation, is a plaintive prayer to God for deliverance from the adversities he faced. Here, we witness David, deep within a cave's embrace, releasing his distress and loneliness to God, exhibiting a profound sense of reliance on divine providence. This Psalm presents a vivid representation of prayer during times of desolation, affirming the power of divine aid, and asserting the role of God as a refuge. Historical Background: David in the Cave Psalm 142 is labeled “A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave.” The title likely points to Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1–2) or En-gedi (1 Samuel 24:1–3). Hunted by King Saul, David hid among rugged Judean cliffs riddled with natural caverns. With only a few discontented followers and little provision, he experienced real danger, making his declaration that God alone is his “portion” all the more striking. Structure and Literary Features • Cry (vv 1–2): Two parallel verbs—“I cry,” “I pour out.” • Complaint (vv 3–4): Description of traps and abandonment. • Confidence (v 5): A pivot from horizontal despair to vertical hope. • Call (vv 6–7): A direct request for rescue and a vow of future praise. The psalm’s tight seven-verse structure moves from darkness to dawning confidence, mirroring the journey from a literal cave to anticipated freedom. Key Themes 1. Honest Lament: Scripture never sanitizes pain (see Psalm 62:8; 1 Peter 5:7). 2. God as Refuge: When all human support fails, divine shelter proves enough (Psalm 46:1). 3. Future Praise: Deliverance is expected to produce thanksgiving and community celebration (Psalm 40:1–3). Connections to Other Scriptures • “My portion” echoes Numbers 18:20, where the LORD Himself is the Levites’ inheritance, and Lamentations 3:24, spoken amid ruin. • The sense of abandonment recalls 2 Timothy 4:16–17, where Paul says, “No one stood with me… but the Lord stood by me.” • Verse 7’s “bring my soul out of prison” parallels Isaiah 61:1, fulfilled by Jesus in Luke 4:18. Messianic Foreshadowing Christ, like David, experienced rejection and isolation (John 1:11; Mark 14:50). On the cross He uttered a greater lament (Psalm 22:1) yet entrusted Himself to the Father (Luke 23:46). David’s lesser cave anticipates the greater tomb, and his emergence foreshadows the resurrection that surrounds Jesus with “the righteous” (Hebrews 2:12). Archaeological and Geographic Notes • Adullam’s caves lie in soft limestone hills southwest of Bethlehem—easily carved out, large enough for hundreds. • En-gedi, perched above the Dead Sea, is pitted with crevices overlooking steep wadis. Modern surveys show natural cisterns and ancient pastoral enclosures, matching the terrain where David could hide yet feel boxed in. • Bronze Age pottery shards and Iron Age storage jars found in these caves confirm their use as hideouts during periods of conflict. Hebrew Word Insights • “Maskil” (מַשְׂכִּיל) suggests instruction—this is a song meant to teach. • “Cry aloud” (זָעַק) indicates a desperate, piercing call, not muted whisper. • “Refuge” (מַחְסֶה) pictures a sheltering cliff—fitting for a man literally in a rocky hideout. Practical Implications for Today • Verbalize your struggles to God; silence breeds despair. • When human support evaporates, remember that God’s presence is not a last resort but the lasting portion. • Anticipate community celebration after personal deliverance; God’s interventions are meant to strengthen the whole body of believers. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Teaching Points Cry for Help David begins with a heartfelt cry to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of turning to God in times of distress. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. (Psalm 142:1) Expression of Trouble David openly shares his troubles with God, demonstrating that we can be honest about our struggles. I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. (Psalm 142:2) Feeling of Isolation David feels abandoned and alone, yet he acknowledges that God knows his path. Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. (Psalm 142:4) Declaration of Faith Despite his circumstances, David declares God as his refuge and portion. I cry to You, O LORD: 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' (Psalm 142:5) Plea for Deliverance David asks for deliverance from his persecutors, showing his reliance on God's power. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. (Psalm 142:6) Hope for Future Praise David anticipates a future where he will praise God for His goodness. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me. (Psalm 142:7) Practical Applications Turn to God in Distress When feeling overwhelmed, make it a habit to cry out to God, knowing He listens and cares. Be Honest with God Share your true feelings and struggles with God, trusting that He understands and is compassionate. Seek God as Refuge In times of loneliness or fear, remember that God is your refuge and strength. Trust in God's Deliverance Have faith that God will deliver you from your troubles, even when they seem insurmountable. Anticipate God's Goodness Cultivate a heart of gratitude and hope, looking forward to the ways God will work in your life. People 1. David The author of the psalm, who is crying out to the Lord for mercy and deliverance. He is in a state of distress and feels overwhelmed by his circumstances. David is seeking refuge and expressing his trust in God as his portion in the land of the living. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The recipient of David's prayer. David addresses the LORD as his refuge and portion, acknowledging God's sovereignty and ability to deliver him from his troubles. The Hebrew root for LORD is "YHWH," which is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this psalm, the focus is on the relationship between David and the LORD, with David expressing his dependence on God for rescue and support. Places 1. The Cave The psalm's title indicates that David composed this prayer "when he was in the cave." This refers to a physical location where David sought refuge while fleeing from King Saul. The Hebrew word for "cave" is "מְעָרָה" (me'arah), which signifies a natural underground chamber. In the biblical narrative, David's time in the cave is associated with seeking safety and solitude, as well as a place of reflection and prayer. The cave symbolizes a place of both physical and spiritual refuge during a period of intense personal crisis. Psalm 142 does not mention other specific geographical locations within the text itself, focusing instead on David's emotional and spiritual state while in the cave. Events 1. David Cries Out to the Lord David begins by vocalizing his plea to God: "I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy." (Psalm 142:1). The Hebrew word for "cry" (זָעַק, za'aq) emphasizes a loud, earnest call for help. 2. David Pours Out His Complaint He continues by expressing his troubles: "I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him." (Psalm 142:2). The term "pour out" (שָׁפַךְ, shaphak) suggests a complete and unreserved expression of his distress. 3. David Acknowledges His Spirit is Faint David acknowledges his weakened state: "When my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way." (Psalm 142:3). The Hebrew word for "faint" (עָטַף, ataph) indicates being overwhelmed or enfeebled. 4. David Describes the Traps Set for Him He describes the danger he faces: "In the path where I walk, they have hidden a snare for me." (Psalm 142:3). The word "snare" (פַּח, pach) refers to a trap or a hidden danger. 5. David Finds No One to Help David laments his isolation: "Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my soul." (Psalm 142:4). The phrase "no refuge" (מָנוֹס, manos) indicates a lack of safety or escape. 6. David Declares the Lord as His Refuge Despite his isolation, David declares his trust in God: "I cry to You, O LORD: 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'" (Psalm 142:5). The term "refuge" (מַחְסֶה, machseh) signifies a place of safety and protection. 7. David Pleads for Deliverance He pleads for rescue from his persecutors: "Listen to my cry, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me." (Psalm 142:6). The word "rescue" (נָצַל, natsal) conveys the idea of being delivered or saved. 8. David Seeks Freedom to Praise God David concludes with a desire for freedom to worship: "Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me." (Psalm 142:7). The phrase "free my soul" (הוֹצִיא, hotzi) implies liberation or release. Lessons from Psalm 142 1. Seek Refuge in God In times of trouble, Psalm 142 reminds us to turn to God as our ultimate refuge. David, in his distress, cries out, "I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy" (Psalm 142:1). This teaches us that no matter the situation, God is our safe haven, ready to listen and provide comfort. When life feels overwhelming, remember that God is always there, waiting for you to seek His shelter. 2. Be Honest in Prayer David's raw honesty in his prayer is a powerful lesson for us. He says, "I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him" (Psalm 142:2). This encourages us to be open and transparent with God about our struggles. He knows our hearts, and when we express our true feelings, we invite His healing presence into our lives. 3. God Knows Your Path Even when we feel lost, God is aware of our journey. David acknowledges, "When my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way" (Psalm 142:3). This is a comforting reminder that God is intimately familiar with our paths and is guiding us, even when we cannot see the way forward. Trust in His divine direction. 4. God is Our Portion In moments of loneliness, David declares, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living" (Psalm 142:5). This profound truth reassures us that God is enough. He is our inheritance and sustenance, providing all we need. When we feel lacking, remember that God is our abundant portion. 5. Cry Out for Deliverance David's plea for deliverance is a model for us to follow. He prays, "Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me" (Psalm 142:6). This teaches us to rely on God's strength rather than our own. When faced with challenges beyond our control, cry out to God for His mighty deliverance. 6. God Hears the Righteous The psalm assures us that God listens to the cries of the righteous. David confidently states, "Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low" (Psalm 142:6). This is a reminder that God is attentive to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. Your prayers are heard, and God is actively working on your behalf. 7. Community in Faith David longs for companionship, saying, "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name" (Psalm 142:7). This highlights the importance of community and fellowship in our faith journey. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and uplift you, especially during difficult times. 8. Praise in Anticipation Even in distress, David anticipates praising God, "The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me" (Psalm 142:7). This teaches us to praise God not only for past blessings but also in anticipation of His future goodness. Cultivate a heart of gratitude, trusting that God will continue to work wonders in your life. 9. God’s Faithfulness is Unchanging Throughout the psalm, David's trust in God's faithfulness is unwavering. This is a powerful reminder that God's character does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Lean on His steadfastness, knowing that His promises are true and His love endures. 10. Hope in God’s Deliverance Ultimately, Psalm 142 is a testament to hope. Despite his circumstances, David holds onto the hope of God's deliverance. This encourages us to maintain hope in God's power to save and restore. No matter how dire the situation, trust that God is working all things for your good and His glory. Topics 1. Cry for Help David begins by voicing his plea to the Lord, emphasizing the urgency and desperation of his situation. The Hebrew root word "זָעַק" (za'aq) conveys a deep, earnest cry for assistance. ^"I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy."^ (Psalm 142:1) 2. Pouring Out Complaints He openly shares his troubles with God, demonstrating a transparent and trusting relationship. The Hebrew word "שִׁפַּךְ" (shaphak) means to pour out, indicating a complete outpouring of his heart. ^"I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him."^ (Psalm 142:2) 3. Acknowledgment of God's Knowledge David acknowledges that God is aware of his path and the traps set before him, showing his faith in God's omniscience. ^"Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way."^ (Psalm 142:3) 4. Isolation and Abandonment He expresses feelings of loneliness and abandonment, highlighting the absence of human support. The Hebrew root "בָּדַד" (badad) reflects a sense of being alone or isolated. ^"Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul."^ (Psalm 142:4) 5. Declaration of Trust in God Despite his circumstances, David declares his trust in the Lord as his refuge and portion, affirming his reliance on God alone. ^"I cry to You, O LORD: 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'"^ (Psalm 142:5) 6. Plea for Deliverance He petitions God for deliverance from his persecutors, recognizing his own weakness and the strength of his adversaries. ^"Listen to my cry, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me."^ (Psalm 142:6) 7. Hope for Future Praise David concludes with hope, anticipating a future where he will praise God for His faithfulness and deliverance, surrounded by the righteous. ^"Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me."^ (Psalm 142:7) Themes 1. Cry for Help The psalmist begins with a desperate plea for God's attention and assistance. In Psalm 142:1, "I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy," the Hebrew word for "cry" (זָעַק, za'aq) conveys a sense of urgent, vocal pleading, emphasizing the depth of the psalmist's distress. 2. Expression of Trouble The psalmist openly shares his troubles with God, highlighting the importance of honest communication in prayer. Psalm 142:2 states, "I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him." The Hebrew root for "pour out" (שָׁפַךְ, shaphak) suggests a complete and unreserved outpouring of one's heart. 3. Feeling of Isolation A theme of loneliness and abandonment is evident as the psalmist feels forsaken by others. In Psalm 142:4, "Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul," the Hebrew word for "cares" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies seeking or inquiring, indicating a lack of concern from others. 4. Dependence on God The psalmist acknowledges God as his sole refuge and portion, underscoring a reliance on divine support. Psalm 142:5 declares, "I cry to You, O LORD: 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'" The term "portion" (חֵלֶק, cheleq) in Hebrew signifies an inheritance or share, reflecting the psalmist's trust in God's provision. 5. Plea for Deliverance The psalmist requests deliverance from his persecutors, emphasizing God's power to rescue. In Psalm 142:6, "Listen to my cry, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me," the Hebrew root for "rescue" (נָצַל, natsal) conveys the act of snatching away or delivering from danger. 6. Hope for Future Praise The psalm concludes with an anticipation of future praise and thanksgiving, reflecting faith in God's deliverance. Psalm 142:7 states, "Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me." The Hebrew word for "goodness" (טוּב, tov) denotes God's benevolent and favorable actions, inspiring hope and worship. Prayer Points Thank God for His Presence Thank God for being a constant refuge and source of strength in your life. Ask for Honesty in Prayer Pray for the courage to be open and honest with God about your struggles and fears. Seek Deliverance Pray for deliverance from any current trials or challenges, trusting in God's power and timing. Cultivate Hope and Gratitude Ask God to help you maintain a hopeful and grateful heart, even in difficult circumstances. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 142:1 labels this a prayer of David in a cave—where is the historical or archaeological evidence supporting this cave event? 2. Psalm 142:2 portrays a direct plea to God—how does this align with the skeptic’s view that supernatural intervention lacks scientific proof? 3. Psalm 142:4 shows David claiming no one cares for him—how does this reconcile with 1 Samuel 22:2, where he has loyal followers? 4. In Psalm 142:5–6, David expects personal divine rescue—why do similar prayers often go unanswered in observable human experience? 5. Psalm 142:7 promises praise once delivered—how does such certainty stand against the reality of suffering believers whose pleas remain unresolved? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 142 illuminate the role of prayer during times of distress? 2. How does David's prayer reflect his complete dependence on God? What can we learn from this? 3. In what ways can you relate to the feelings of despair and loneliness that David expresses in this Psalm? 4. How can we use David's example of prayer during our times of personal hardship? 5. Why do you think David refers to God as his "refuge" and "portion"? What does this signify? 6. David pours out his troubles to God. How can this approach help us in dealing with our own troubles? 7. Discuss how the feeling of loneliness is addressed in the context of this Psalm. 8. How does this Psalm affirm God's presence even in our isolation? 9. What does this Psalm teach us about God's justice and mercy? 10. How can you apply the lessons from this Psalm to your everyday life? 11. How does David's faith influence his view of his circumstances? What can this teach us about the role of perspective in our trials? 12. In verse 7, David speaks about being surrounded by the righteous after his deliverance. What does this suggest about the community of believers? 13. What can you infer about David's character from his reactions and prayers in his time of despair? 14. If you were in a similar situation as David, how would you respond? 15. How can we cultivate the same level of trust in God's deliverance that David demonstrates? 16. How does the context of David's situation (i.e., hiding in a cave) influence your understanding of this Psalm? 17. How does this Psalm provide comfort for those feeling isolated or alone? 18. What does David's prayer reveal about his understanding of God's omnipresence? 19. How would you express your deepest despair and hope in a prayer, following the model of David's honest communication with God? 20. In your present life situations, how can you seek God as your refuge and portion as David did? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions