psalm-142:4-6-esv

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

Our resource in extremity. Few passages in Scripture more aptly illustrate the words, "They learn in suffering what they teach in song," than does this psalm. In a few strong sentences we have placed before us— I. THE EXTREMITY OF HUMAN TROUBLE . David is "brought very low." His persecutors are too strong for him ( Psalms 142:6 ), too numerous; moreover, they are very wily, their stratagems are clever, and they involve him in great peril ( Psalms 142:3 ). He is abandoned... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

When my spirit was overwhelmed. This is said to be one of David's cave psalms. There are some seven or eight which, according to their inscriptions, have to do with David's persecution by Saul. What cave is meant, whether Adullam or Engedi, we do not know. I. HERE IS A MOST DISTRESSFUL CONDITION SET FORTH . It is described: 1. As being overwhelmed . ( Psalms 142:3 .) As if some fierce flood had rushed down upon him and his, and with sore difficulty they could... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

A cry for deliverance. "The last of the eight psalms to be referred to David's persecution by Saul. Supposed to describe his thoughts and feelings when he was in the "cave," though whether of Adullam or of Engedi is not clear. It expresses the cleaving of the heart to God, the deep sense of loneliness, the cry for deliverance, the confidence that that deliverance will call forth the sympathy and the joy of many others." I. IMPORTUNATE PRAYER UTTERED ALOUD WITH VOICE AND ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me . I looked about, i . e ; for human aid, but there was no one who would so much as know me. I was utterly deserted in my trouble. Refuge failed me. I had nowhere to flee unto—no safe and sure abiding-place. The "cave of Adullam" was but a miserable spot to hide in. No man eared for my soul ; or, "looked after my soul" (comp. Jeremiah 30:17 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

No man cared for my soul. It may be that the psalmist was thinking only or chiefly of his life; but more commonly the soul refers to that which is of far more worth than the body—to that in us which is spiritual, immortal, and made in the image of God. And thus we shall understand the word here, and speak of "the evil and danger of neglecting the souls of men." See Dr. Doddridge's great sermon on this theme. The psalmist declares, "No man eared for my soul." I. IS THE ASSERTION ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

Uncared-for souls. This expression may very properly be associated with David, or at least may be illustrated by certain experiences in his life. When he was hunted by Saul among the hills of the south country, he seems to have fallen into a desponding mood, and to have thought that nobody cared for him (see 1 Samuel 22:1 ; 1 Samuel 24:3 ). And as regards the help of man, he certainly then did seem desolate. But in God there still was hope. We may think of those who, with some measures... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

Caring for souls the work of the Church. "Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul." For present purposes associate the psalm with the anxious time of David's life, when he was persecuted by Saul. The point of his sadness was that nobody seemed to care for him. That was likely to make him restless. If he had further said, "and even God does not care for me," he would have grown desperate, and exclaimed, "Why should I care for myself? Why should I try to be true and good and faithful?" By... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my Refuge . When men's fathers and mothers forsake them, the Lord taketh them up ( Psalms 27:10 ). David looked to God as a sure Refuge at all times ( Psalms 9:9 ; Psalms 18:1 , Psalms 18:2 ; Psalms 57:1 ; Psalms 59:9 , Psalms 59:16 , Psalms 59:17 ). And my Portion in the land of the living; or, "my inheritance" (comp. Psalms 16:5 ; Psalms 73:26 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

Pleading what we said to the Lord. This is what the psalmist is here doing; he is putting the Lord in remembrance of his servant's earnest vows. I. WHAT WAS SAID . 1. He reminds the Lord how he had " cried unto " him . His coming was with all earnestness and sincerity of soul; and he tells the Lord this, as much as to say, "Lord, thou knowest that my prayer went not forth out of feigned lips, but it was with true heart that I turned to thee." Such is the prayer the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

The soul's rights in God. "Thou art my Refuge, my Portion in the land of the living." This apprehension of God's relations belongs to a man who was placed in distressing circumstances, which were all the more distressing because he looked this way and that for human helpers, and found none. It is not that, disappointed in man, the psalmist turned to God. It is that, having linked together God's help and man's, he has had to learn that there are times in life when a man must turn from the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:5

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