Bible Verse:What does Psalm chapter 142 mean?
Chapter Context
While evading death at the hands of King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2), David spent time living in a cave (1 Samuel 22:1). Later, he was cornered in a cave when Saul unknowingly entered the cave in which David and his men were hiding in order to relieve himself (1 Samuel 24:2–3). Either of these experiences may have inspired David. It's possible this psalm was composed while David was living in a cave, and that but Psalm 57 was inspired by the tense moments before the encounter with Saul (Psalm 57:1–4). This song is labelled as a maskil, probably referring to a musical style (Psalm 32:1; 42:1; 44:1; 45:1; 52:1; 53:1; 54:1; 55:1; 74:1; 78:1; 88:1; 89:1).
What does Psalm chapter 142 mean?
This psalm is labeled as a
maskil (Psalm 32:1; 42:1; 44:1; 45:1; 52:1; 53:1; 54:1; 55:1; 74:1; 78:1; 88:1; 89:1), which seems to refer to a style of music. David's name is attached to the text, as well as a reference to "the cave." This may mean the cave of Adullam, where David escaped from King Saul's jealous rage (1 Samuel 22:1). It may also refer to the moment when Saul unknowingly cornered David in a cave where he hid with his men (1 Samuel 24:2–3). Psalm 57 is a less-optimistic expression of similar ideas.
David begins by expressing his earnest request. His early words emphasize how he brings this appeal to the Lord. David "cries out," "pleads," "pours out," and "tells" God about this situation. David feels spiritually weak because of his enemies' schemes. He has no ally there to aid him, and he feels friendless in this situation (Psalm 141:1–4).
In response to these dangers, David asks the Lord for rescue. David cannot defeat these enemies on his own—his only escape from feeling trapped by death is an appeal to God. Despite the danger, David seems confident that he will eventually elude these enemies and find himself among godly friends once again. His plan is to praise the Lord when this happens (Psalm 141:5–7).
