What does Psalm 143:10 mean?
ESV: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
NIV: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
NASB: Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
CSB: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.
NLT: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
KJV: Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
NKJV: Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 143:7–12 highlights the urgency of David's prayer (Psalm 143:1–6). He prays for immediate aid and guidance, noting that he is fleeing enemies and still seeking the Lord's will. There is still a sense of confidence in this prayer. David fully expects his opponents to be defeated.
Chapter Summary:
David begins by appealing to God's goodness and loyal love. He acknowledges his own imperfections. He prays to be saved from the threat of violent enemies. These opponents overwhelm David, driving him into a dark, weak feeling. Yet David is encouraged to look back on all the times the Lord has provided rescue. David ties this anticipated salvation to his intent to praise and worship God as their mutual enemies are defeated.
Chapter Context:
This psalm combines several themes seen in David's other songs. He calls for rescue (Psalm 16:1; 25:19–20), admits his natural weakness against sin (Psalm 51:4–5; 141:3–4), recalls God's prior works (Psalm 145:4–5), asks for guidance (Psalm 25:5), and expresses confidence (Psalm 16:10; 138:7–8). Possible inspirations are the persecutions of Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–14).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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