Psalm 142

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 142:4

Verse 4 4.On looking to the right hand, (247) etc. , He shows that there was good cause for the dreadful sufferings he experienced, since no human aid or comfort was to be expected, and destruction seemed inevitable. When he speaks of having looked and yet not perceived a friend amongst men, he does not mean that he had turned his thoughts to earthly helps in forgetfulness of God, but that he had made such inquiry as was warrantable after one on the earth who might assist him. Had any person of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 142:5

Verse 5 5.I cried unto thee, O Jehovah ! With a view to hasten God’s interposition, David complains of the low estate he was reduced to, and of his extremity; the term cry denoting vehemence, as I have elsewhere noticed. He speaks of deliverance as being plainly needed, since he was now held a prisoner. By prison some suppose he alludes to the cave where he was lodged, but this is too restricted a meaning. The subsequent clause, the righteous shall compass me, is translated differently by some,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1

I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication . "With my voice" means aloud, and therefore earnestly and pressingly (comp. Psalms 3:4 ; Psalms 27:7 ; Psalms 64:1 ; Psalms 77:1 ; Psalms 130:1 , Psalms 130:2 , etc.). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:1-7

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 142:2

I poured out my complaint before him; I showed before him my trouble . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:2

Prayer as complaint. "I pour out my complaint before him." "Before God we may speak out our minds fully, and name the persons that afflict, affront, or trouble us." True religion must be genuine. What a man really does feel he ought to be able to express. Reserve is the bane of friendship; it is of our friendship with God. A friend should be free to tell his friend precisely what he is feeling, even when the feelings are neither good nor right. It is healthy and hopeful when there is such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:3

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me ; or, "fainted within me." Then thou knewest my path . I had not to tell thee because thou didst not know, but to relieve my own feelings. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me (comp. Psalms 140:5 ; Psalms 141:9 , Psalms 141:10 ). read more

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