Psalms 142 - Printer Friendly

This psalm is labeled as a maskil (Psalm 32:1; 42:1; 44:1; 45:1; 52:1; 53:1; 54:1; 55:1; 74:1; 78:1; 88:1; 89:1), which seems to refer to a style of music. David's name is attached to the text, as well as a reference to "the cave." This may mean the cave of Adullam, where David escaped from King Saul's jealous rage (1 Samuel 22:1). It may also refer to the moment when Saul unknowingly cornered David in a cave where he hid with his men (1 Samuel 24:2–3). Psalm 57 is a less-optimistic expression of similar ideas.

David begins by expressing his earnest request. His early words emphasize how he brings this appeal to the Lord. David "cries out," "pleads," "pours out," and "tells" God about this situation. David feels spiritually weak because of his enemies' schemes. He has no ally there to aid him, and he feels friendless in this situation (Psalm 141:1–4).

In response to these dangers, David asks the Lord for rescue. David cannot defeat these enemies on his own—his only escape from feeling trapped by death is an appeal to God. Despite the danger, David seems confident that he will eventually elude these enemies and find himself among godly friends once again. His plan is to praise the Lord when this happens (Psalm 141:5–7).

Psalm 142:3–4 expresses David's feelings. He is afraid because of the enemies who scheme to kill him. At the same time, he knows the Lord is aware of his situation. David feels alone and without help: there is no one standing at his right side, where an ally would normally be. He has nowhere truly safe to hide and feels as if he has no friends. This was inspired by one of two times when David was in a cave while hunted by Saul (1 Samuel 22:1; 24:2–3).

Psalm 141:5–7 continues David's expression of prayerful anxiety. Feeling trapped and persecuted by powerful enemies who want to kill him, he prays for rescue. David escaped to a cave when King Saul attacked him (1 Samuel 22:1). He was also hiding in a cave when Saul entered to relieve himself, not knowing David and his men were there (1 Samuel 24:2–3). Though he is currently anxious, David anticipates a happy future.

David calls for mercy and rescue from the Lord. This either refers to when David was forced to flee to a cave (1 Samuel 22:1) or when King Saul entered a cave in which he and his men were hiding (1 Samuel 24:2–3). David takes all his concerns to God. Enemies are looking for ways to kill David and he feels alone and friendless. Faced with a dire situation, he calls on God with confidence that the future brings the Lord's blessings.

While evading death at the hands of King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2), David spent time living in a cave (1 Samuel 22:1). Later, he was cornered in a cave when Saul unknowingly entered the cave in which David and his men were hiding in order to relieve himself (1 Samuel 24:2–3). Either of these experiences may have inspired David. It's possible this psalm was composed while David was living in a cave, and that but Psalm 57 was inspired by the tense moments before the encounter with Saul (Psalm 57:1–4). This song is labelled as a maskil, probably referring to a musical style (Psalm 32:1; 42:1; 44:1; 45:1; 52:1; 53:1; 54:1; 55:1; 74:1; 78:1; 88:1; 89:1).

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.