Psalms 143:3 - Exposition

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul . "The enemy" may be Saul, but is more probably an abstract expression—for "my enemies" generally. He hath smitten my life down to the ground; or, "crushed my life to the ground"—brought me, i . e ; very low (comp. Psalms 42:6 ). He hath made me to dwell in darkness (comp. Psalms 88:6 ). As those that have been long dead. I have dwelt in a darkness like that of Sheol ; i . e . in gloom and unhappiness (comp. Lamentations 3:6 ).