Psalms 143:3,4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul This is not a reason of what he said last, Psalms 143:2, but an argument to enforce his petition, delivered Psalms 143:1, and repeated Psalms 143:7. He hath smitten my life down to the ground He hath beaten me down to the earth, where I lie struggling for life. He hath made me to dwell in darkness Not only in dark caves, but under dark apprehensions, and clouds of trouble and distress, out of which I see no way of deliverance, except from thy power and mercy; as those that have been long dead In as hopeless a condition in the eye of man, as those that have lain long in the grave. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed See on Psalms 142:3. My heart within me is desolate Deprived of all hope and comfort, except from thee; or, is astonished, as ישׁתומם may be properly rendered.