Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 143

Complaints and Petitions This psalm is a prayer of David during a time of trouble. He turns to God for help, feeling overwhelmed by his enemies and his own struggles. David shows us how to be honest with God about our feelings, to ask for mercy, and to find hope by remembering God's past faithfulness. This passage teaches us to depend on God's grace rather than our own goodness, especially when life feels dark and difficult. v. 1: David begins by saying, “Hear my prayer, O Lord

v. 2: David pleads, “And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified” . He humbly admits that no one can be declared righteous before God by their own actions. He knows that if God judged him strictly, he could not stand. Instead, he begs for mercy, not strict justice.

v. 3: David describes his trouble: “For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead” . His enemies have brought him so low that he feels like he is almost dead, forced to hide in darkness and filled with despair.

v. 4: He explains how all this makes him feel: “Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate” . David’s spirit is crushed, and he feels alone and hopeless. Even strong believers can sometimes feel overwhelmed by their problems.

v. 5: David tries to find comfort by remembering God’s past deeds: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands” . He thinks back to all the wonderful things God has done, both for His people and for David himself. This helps renew his faith and gives him hope.

v. 6: Finally, David reaches out to God: “I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land” . He is desperate for God’s presence and help, longing for God just like dry ground longs for rain. David teaches us to seek God earnestly when we feel spiritually dry or troubled.

Prayers for Divine GraceIn these verses, David urgently prays for God’s help and grace. He feels weak and desperate, but his desire is not just for rescue from trouble—he also wants to know and do God’s will. David teaches us to seek God’s favor, guidance, and strength, especially when we feel overwhelmed or lost.v. 7: David cries out, “Hear me speedily, O Lord

v. 8: David prays, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust” . He wants to wake up each day with a sense of God’s love and kindness. David asks God to show him the right path, because he lifts up his soul to God and trusts Him to guide him.

v. 9: David asks, “Deliver me, O Lord

v. 10: David prays, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness” . He wants to know what God wants him to do and asks for help to obey. David knows that only God’s Spirit can lead him to live a good and upright life.

v. 11: David says, “Quicken me, O Lord

v. 12: David ends by asking God to defeat his enemies: “And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant” (Psalm 143:12 ). He trusts that God will protect him because he belongs to God and serves Him. David’s prayer is also a prophecy that God will one day destroy all who oppose His kingdom and people.