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A Refuge from Trouble

Psalm 142

A contemplative poem of David, when he was in the cave, a prayer.
I cry aloud with my voice to Adonai.
With my voice I seek favor from Adonai.
I pour out my complaint before Him,
before Him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me,
You know my path.
In the way where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
Look at my right hand and see,
for no one cares about me.
I have no refuge—
no one cares for my soul.
I have cried out to You, Adonai.
I said: “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”
Listen to my cry,
    for I am brought very low.
Rescue me from my persecutors,
    for they are too strong for me.
Bring my soul out of prison,
    so I may praise Your Name.
The righteous will triumph through me,
    for You will reward me.

Psalm 142[a]

A maskil[b] of David. When he was in the cave.(A) A prayer.

I cry aloud(B) to the Lord;
    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.(C)
I pour out before him my complaint;(D)
    before him I tell my trouble.(E)

When my spirit grows faint(F) within me,
    it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
    people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;(G)
    no one cares(H) for my life.

I cry to you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,(I)
    my portion(J) in the land of the living.”(K)

Listen to my cry,(L)
    for I am in desperate need;(M)
rescue me(N) from those who pursue me,
    for they are too strong(O) for me.
Set me free from my prison,(P)
    that I may praise your name.(Q)
Then the righteous will gather about me
    because of your goodness to me.(R)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 142:1 In Hebrew texts 142:1-7 is numbered 142:2-8.
  2. Psalm 142:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term