Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 142

A Cry from the CaveThis psalm is David’s prayer during a very hard time in his life, likely when he was hiding in a cave. Although he was once a famous soldier and courtier, he now faced shame and fear as he ran for his life. Even in this dark place, David kept his faith. He used prayer and tears as his weapons, showing that no matter where we are, we can always pray to God. David wanted others to learn from his experience and trust God even in trouble.v. 1-2: David says, “I cried unto the Lord

v. 3: David explains why he felt so overwhelmed. He says, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path” . Even when David could not understand his own situation, he was comforted knowing that God understood. God knew David’s honest heart and all his troubles, even when David could not speak them clearly (Job 23:10; Psalm 31:7 ). David trusted that God was protecting and guiding him, even when things seemed hopeless.

Complaints and PetitionsIn this part of the psalm, David shares how alone and helpless he felt when everyone abandoned him. Even though he had once been important, now no one wanted to help him because it was dangerous. But in his loneliness, David turned to God for comfort and help. He teaches us that when people fail us, God is always there to be our refuge and provider.v. 4: David says, “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” . When he was in trouble, all his friends disappeared. No one would stand up for him or even give him shelter. He felt completely abandoned, just as Jesus was left alone in His suffering (Isaiah 63:5 ).

v. 5: Even though people left him, David found hope in God. He prayed, “I cried unto thee, O Lord

v. 6: David asks God to listen to his cry because he is very weak. He says, “Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I” . David admits he cannot save himself and needs God’s help to escape from those who are too powerful for him.

v. 7: David prays, “Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me” (Psalm 142:7 ). He asks God to rescue him, not just for his own comfort, but so he can praise God and encourage others to do the same. David believes that when God saves him, other good people will join him in giving thanks and celebrating God’s goodness.