Psalms 142

Psalms 142:1

Title. Maschil of David] Or, A psalm of David giving instruction.

when he was in the cave] 1 Samuel 24:3.

This psalm appears to be made after the deliverance here mentioned. See the like, Jonah 2:1.

cried] Davids patience and instant prayer unto God condemneth their wicked rage; who, in their troubles, either despair, and murmure against God, or else seek to others rather then to God, to have redresse in their miseries.

did I make my supplication] The word, prayer, in the originall, signifies a demanding of justice against his foes: crying, signifies earnestnesse: making supplication shews, that he sought for favour from God: complaint, or meditation, argues a preconsideration of what he prayed for: shewing, intends a laying open of his troubles orderly in fit words.

Psalms 142:3

then thou knewest my path] Thou knewest which way I should escape, when I knew no means of delivery: or, thou didst approve the way that I was in, and tookest care of me, psal. 1. 6.

Psalms 142:4

I looked on my right hand, and beheld] Or, look on the right hand, and see.

refuge failed me] I had no place in the world to flee to.

failed me] Heb. perished from me.

no man cared for my soul] Heb. no man sought after my soul.

Psalms 142:5

Thou] The words following, to the end, were spoken in the cave.

my refuge] Though all means failed him, yet he knew that God would never forsake him, psal. 32. 7. and 46. 1.

my portion in the land of the living] Psalms 16:5. and Psalms 73:26. and Psalms 119:57. Lamentations 3:24.

Psalms 142:7

Bring my soul out of prison] For he was on all sides beset with his enemies, as though he had been in a most strait prison.

the righteous shall compasse me about] Either to hear me speak of my wonderfull deliverance, that they may rejoyce and praise God with me, or else to set the crown on my head.

for] Or, when.