1 An instruction of David when he was in the cave: a prayer.
2 [With] my voice to Jehovah I cry; [with] my voice to Jehovah I make supplication.
3 I pour out in his presence my plaint; my distress in his presence show.
4 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, thou knewest my path; in the way that I go they hid a snare for me.
5 Look on the right hand and see: there is none that knoweth me: refuge hath failed me; there is none caring for my soul.
6 I cried unto thee, Jehovah; I said, Thou [art] my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
7 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.
8 Bring my soul out of prison that I may give thanks to thy name: the righteous shall compass me round, for thou dealest bountifully with me.
Notes on Psalm 142
“An instruction of David when he was in the cave: a prayer.” Here is a didactic word, a prayer too. Wickedness in power casts the righteous on Jehovah alone. How often precious, and proved by how many! Yet, while originally David’s faith, it will apply fully in the future crisis of Israel.