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Psalms 143:1 World English Bible (WEB)

1 > Hear my prayer, Yahweh. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.

Cross Reference

Psalms 89:1-2 WEB

> I will sing of the loving kindness of Yahweh forever. With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. I indeed declare, "Love stands firm forever. You established the heavens. Your faithfulness is in them."

Commentary on Psalms 143 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 143

Ps 143:1-12. In structure and style, like the preceding (Psalms 104-142), this Psalm is clearly evinced to be David's. It is a prayer for pardon, and for relief from enemies; afflictions, as usual, producing confession and penitence.

1. in thy faithfulness … and … righteousness—or, God's regard to the claims which He has permitted His people to make in His covenant.

2. enter … judgment—deal not in strict justice.

shall no … justified—or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Ro 3:20).

3, 4. The exciting reason for his prayer—his afflictions—led to confession as just made: he now makes the complaint.

as those that have been long dead—deprived of life's comforts (compare Ps 40:15; 88:3-6).

5, 6. The distress is aggravated by the contrast of former comfort (Ps 22:3-5), for whose return he longs.

a thirsty land—which needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Ps 28:1; 89:17).

7. spirit faileth—is exhausted.

8. (Compare Ps 25:1-4; 59:16).

the way … walk—that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Ps 142:3-6).

9. (Compare Ps 31:15-20).

10. (Compare Ps 5:8; 27:11).

land of uprightness—literally, "an even land" (Ps 26:12).

11. (Compare Ps 23:3; 119:156).

12. God's mercy to His people is often wrath to His and their enemies (compare Ps 31:17).

thy servant—as chosen to be such, entitled to divine regard.