Psalm 142 Study Notes

Ps 142 title On Maskil, see note at Ps 32 title. The cave referred to here could be Adullam (1Sm 22:1) or En-gedi (1Sm 24:3-4; cp. Ps 57).

142:1-3 Turning to God when in distress showed that David trusted him. David referred to his spirit as weak, denoting spiritual or physical collapse (77:3; 143:4).

142:4 An advocate or defender normally stood on a person’s right (16:8; 109:6; 110:5; 121:5). No one stands up for me is literally “no one recognizes me.” No one cares about me is literally “no one seeks my soul.” The psalmist lacked support.

142:5 A portion is another way of describing a person’s inheritance (see note at 16:5-6).

142:6 In asking God to listen, David also wants God to act (55:2).

142:7 Being hunted and having to hide was like being in prison. It is appropriate for deliverance to be followed by public praise (see note at 22:22-24). You deal generously with me is literally “you pay back (Hb gamal) on my behalf,” which could have double meaning: God would reward David and punish his false accusers (see note at 103:1-2).