What does Psalm 143:6 mean?
ESV: I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
NIV: I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.
NASB: I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, like a weary land. Selah
CSB: I spread out my hands to you; I am like parched land before you. Selah
NLT: I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude
KJV: I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
NKJV: I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 143:1–6 records David's prayer for mercy. This appeals to God's faithfulness, since David knows he is imperfect and sinful (Romans 3:10; Psalm 51:4–5). Enemies have driven him into a state of anxiety. Yet he remembers what the Lord has already done for him (1 Samuel 17:37; 19:10). Based on that history, David eagerly seeks God in prayer (Psalm 63:1).
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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