Bible Glide

Psalms 142

Psalms 142 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 142 is a prayer from a place of danger and loneliness. David brings his fear, weakness, and need honestly before the Lord, trusting God to hear him when others do not. It is a brief but direct example of turning distress into prayer.

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What happens in Psalms 142?

David calls out to the Lord for mercy and lays his complaint before Him. He says his spirit is fading, enemies have set traps, and no one seems to notice or care for him. Even so, he confesses that God is his refuge and portion. He asks to be rescued from stronger pursuers and freed from his prison-like distress so that he can praise God's name. The psalm ends with hope that the righteous will gather around him and see God's goodness.

This psalm is part of the final section of Psalms that includes many prayers of trouble and deliverance. The heading places David in a cave, which frames the psalm as a personal plea from a hidden and vulnerable moment. It stands near other laments that move from distress toward trust and praise.

Themes to notice

  • Honest prayerDavid brings his complaint, fear, and weakness openly to God instead of hiding them.
  • God as refugeWhen people fail to help, David turns to the Lord as his safe place and portion.
  • Deliverance and praiseHe asks to be rescued so his life can return to worship and public thanksgiving.

Questions for Psalms 142

  • What details in David's prayer show both distress and trust at the same time?
  • Why does David describe God as his refuge and portion in this psalm?
  • How does Psalm 142 model prayer for someone who feels alone or overwhelmed?

Read the full text of Psalms 142 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 142

I Lift My Voice to the LORD

A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.

1I cry aloud to the LORD;

I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy.

2I pour out my complaint before Him;

I reveal my trouble to Him.

3Although my spirit grows faint within me,

You know my way.

Along the path I travel

they have hidden a snare for me.

4Look to my right and see;

no one attends to me.

There is no refuge for me;

no one cares for my soul.

5I cry to You, O LORD: “You are my refuge,

my portion in the land of the living.”

6Listen to my cry,

for I am brought quite low.

Rescue me from my pursuers,

for they are too strong for me.

7Free my soul from prison,

that I may praise Your name.

The righteous will gather around me

because of Your goodness to me.

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