Psalm 142 Meaning Explained

A 'maskil' from the cave, a cry of utter loneliness. 'With my voice I cry out... I pour out my complaint.' No refuge remains; no one cares for his soul. But God knows his path. The plea: 'Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!' The desired end: the righteous will surround him, for God deals bountifully.

A clear explanation of Psalm 142, emphasizing prayer for deliverance and trust in God in times of trouble

Psalms Chapter 142 | KJV

1. Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
2. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
6. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
7. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Historical Context

Psalm 142, a Maskil of David, was likely written during a time of personal distress or hiding from enemies.