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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low (comp. Psalms 79:8 ; and see also Deuteronomy 28:43 ; 6:6 ; Psalms 116:6 ). In the cave of Adullam David had but four hundred outlaws to defend him against Saul, who was at the head of all the thousands of Israel ( 1 Samuel 22:2 ). Deliver me from my persecutors . Saul, Doeg, the Ziphites, and the armed bands with whom Saul "hunted David in the mountains" ( 1 Samuel 26:20 ). For they are stronger than I ; or, "too strong for me." read more
Bring my soul out of prison. The word "prison" is used symbolically, as a metaphor for trouble and distress (comp. Psalms 88:8 ; Psalms 107:10-14 ). That I may praise thy Name ; or, "that men may praise thy Name." David's deliverance from his enemies would cause the godly generally to "praise the Lord." The righteous shall compass me about ; rather, in me shall the righteous triumph (Kay, Cheyne). Viewing my cause as their own, they will glory in my deliverance (comp. Psalms 35:27... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 142:3
The confidence of the crushed heart. Literally, "In the muffling of my spirit upon me." When my spirit was so wrapped in trouble and gloom, so muffled round with woe, that I could not see the path before me, was distracted and unable to choose a line of conduct, thou (emphatic) knewest my path. We are often placed in circumstances in life which baffle intellect and power of judgment. We are overwhelmed because we cannot understand, and cannot steer our way through conflicting conditions,... read more