Psalms 143 - Printer Friendly

This psalm does not claim a specific event as inspiration. David hints at conspiring enemies, a threat of death, a need for advice, and an active escape. This may point to when David made a hasty retreat from Jerusalem when his son, Absalom, started a coup (2 Samuel 15:13–14). It might also have come from David's time evading the jealous violence of King Saul (1 Samuel 22:1).

David begins with an urgent prayer for rescue. Some enemy has pursued David to the point of despair. He feels overwhelmed and spiritually weak. Yet he also remembers all that the Lord has done for him. This inspires David to reach up to God with sincerity and humility (Psalm 143:1–6).

Urgency is repeated in the second half of the song along with requests for God's guidance. It seems David is in a very awkward condition, such that he's not sure what to do. Without the Lord's help, David doesn't see a means of victory. This is why he calls on the Lord for both rescue and instruction (Psalm 143:7–12).

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

Accessed 12/22/2024 9:59:13 PM