Psalms 143:1-12 - Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

This is the last of the penitential psalms, and is uniformly ascribed to David. It was composed during a period of exile. The LXX and the Vulgate, “on the rebellion of Absalom.”

Psalms 143:10. Thy Spirit is good. The LXX read, “Let thy good Spirit lead me into the land of uprightness.”

REFLECTIONS.

This psalm was composed also in exile, as appears from his prayer to be led into the land of uprightness: Psalms 143:10. These litanies, or pleadings with heaven, are glowing, ardent, and worthy of special notice. David was long pursued by Saul, and sometimes his spirit was overwhelmed with grief. By long pressure the nerves of the understanding become relaxed and inactive; but God revives his saints again.

He prays to be guided in the way in which he ought to walk, for it is not in man to direct his steps. Above all, the psalmist asks for a good frame of mind, that God would quicken and revive his soul for his name's sake.

Related Commentaries of Psalms 143:1

Psalms 143:1-12

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

11 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.