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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 142:1-3

Whether it was in the cave of Adullam, or that of Engedi, that David prayed this prayer, is not material; it is plain that he was in distress. It was a great disgrace to so great a soldier, so great a courtier, to be put to such shifts for his own safety, and a great terror to be so hotly pursued and every moment in expectation of death; yet then he had such a presence of mind as to pray this prayer, and, wherever he was, still had his religion about him. Prayers and tears were his weapons,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 142:3

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me ,.... Ready to sink and faint under the present affliction, being attended with the hidings of God's face, and with unbelieving frames; which is sometimes the case of God's people, and with which they are as it were covered and overwhelmed, as well as with a sense of sin, and with shame and sorrow for it; see Psalm 61:2 ; then thou knewest my path : the eyes of the Lord are upon all men, and he knows their goings, none of them are hid from him;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 142:3

Then thou knewest my path - When Saul and his army were about the cave in which I was hidden, thou knewest my path - that I had then no way of escape but by miracle: but thou didst not permit them to know that I was wholly in their power. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 142:3

Verse 3 3.When, my spirit, etc. Though he owns here that he felt anxiety, yet he confirms what he had said as to the constancy of his faith. The figure which he uses of his spirit being perplexed, (246) aptly represents the state of the mind in alternating between various resolutions when there was no apparent outgate from danger, and increasing its distress by resorting to all kinds of devices. He adds, that though there was no apparent way of safety, God knew from the beginning in what way... read more

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 142:3

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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