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Psalms 143

Psalms 143 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 143 is a prayer for help from a weary believer who feels surrounded and drained. David asks God to hear him, to act in faithfulness, and to guide him when his own strength is gone. The psalm moves from despair to trust, with a strong appeal for God's mercy, teaching, and rescue.

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What happens in Psalms 143?

David begins by asking the LORD to listen and answer in faithfulness and righteousness, while acknowledging that no one can stand on personal merit. He describes deep pressure from enemies and a spirit that is fading. In the middle of the psalm, he turns to memory and meditation on God's past works. He stretches out to God in thirst, asks for morning assurance of lovingkindness, and pleads for clear direction. The psalm closes with requests for deliverance, revival, and protection for the sake of God's name.

Psalm 143 is the final psalm in the last of the David collections within Psalms 140-143, where suffering, danger, and trust are woven together. It fits the pattern of a lament, but it also points toward dependence on God for guidance and renewal. The chapter continues the voice of a servant who cannot save himself and must look to the LORD for help.

Themes to notice

  • Prayer for mercyThe psalm opens with a plea for God to answer according to faithfulness and righteousness, not human worth.
  • Trust in afflictionDavid faces fear, fatigue, and hostile pressure, yet he keeps turning toward God for refuge.
  • Guidance and renewalHe asks God to teach him, lead him, and revive him when his spirit is failing.

Questions for Psalms 143

  • What does David's prayer teach about how to approach God in distress?
  • Why does David remember God's past works in the middle of his suffering?
  • What do verses 8-10 show about the connection between trust, guidance, and obedience?

Read the full text of Psalms 143 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 143

I Stretch Out My Hands to You

A Psalm of David.

1O LORD, hear my prayer.

In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea;

in Your righteousness, answer me.

2Do not bring Your servant into judgment,

for no one alive is righteous before You.

3For the enemy has pursued my soul,

crushing my life to the ground,

making me dwell in darkness

like those long since dead.

4My spirit grows faint within me;

my heart is dismayed inside me.

5I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all Your works;

I consider the work of Your hands.

6I stretch out my hands to You;

my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.

Selah

7Answer me quickly, O LORD;

my spirit fails.

Do not hide Your face from me,

or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.

8Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning,

for I have put my trust in You.

Teach me the way I should walk,

for to You I lift up my soul.

9Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD;

I flee to You for refuge.

10Teach me to do Your will,

for You are my God.

May Your good Spirit lead me

on level ground.

11For the sake of Your name, O LORD,

revive me.

In Your righteousness,

bring my soul out of trouble.

12And in Your loving devotion,

cut off my enemies.

Destroy all who afflict me,

for I am Your servant.

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