Chapter commentary
Psalms Chapter 143
1
Ps 143:1-12.
2
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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
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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
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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
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7. spirit faileth--is exhausted.
8
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8. (Compare
Ps 25:1-4; 59:16).
the way . . . walk--that is, the way of safety and righteousness
(Ps 142:3-6).
9
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9. (Compare
Ps 31:15-20).
10
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10. (Compare
Ps 5:8; 27:11).
land of uprightness--literally, "an even land"
(Ps 26:12).
11
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11. (Compare
Ps 23:3; 119:156).
12
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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.
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.