King James Version
Psalms 143
12 verses with commentary
Teach Me to Do Your Will
A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.</strong> Psalm 143 opens with urgent appeal for God to hear and answer prayer, grounding this request not in the psalmist's worthiness but in God's faithfulness and righteousness. This is the last of seven Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) traditionally used in Chr...
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(1) **Faithfulness . . . righteousness.**—The first word recalls the covenant promise, the second the faith, expressed so frequently, on which the covenant rested, that the Judge of all the world must do right. St. John founds the appeal for forgiveness on the same pair of Divine qualities (1John 1:9; comp. Psalm 65:5.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
34-39. They not only failed to expel the heathen, as God
**commanded--**(Ex 23:32, 33), literally, "said (they should)," but conformed to their idolatries [Psa 106:36], and thus became spiritual adulterers (Psa 73:27).
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.</strong> This plea introduces one of Scripture's most profound theological statements: universal human unrighteousness before God's perfect standard. The imperative "enter not into judgment" (<em>al-tavo bemishpat</em>, אַל־תָּבוֹא בְמִשְׁפָּט) begs God not to proceed with formal legal proceedi...
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(2) **And enter not.**—The Divine justice has just been invoked, and now the appellant suddenly seems to deprecate it. These verses really sum up the apparent paradox of the Book of Job, as also the expressions recall that Book. (See Job 4:17; Job 9:2; Job 9:32; Job 14:3, *seq.,* Job 15:14; Job 22:4, &c) In one breath Job frequently pours forth pathetic protestations of his innocence, and dread le...
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34-39. They not only failed to expel the heathen, as God
**commanded--**(Ex 23:32, 33), literally, "said (they should)," but conformed to their idolatries [Psa 106:36], and thus became spiritual adulterers (Psa 73:27).
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.</strong> David describes his affliction with three escalating images: persecution, being struck down, and dwelling in death-like darkness. "The enemy" (<em>oyev</em>, אוֹיֵב) is singular, perhaps referring to a primary adversary (like S...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) This verse explains the last. The affliction under which the psalmist suffers is evidence that God is visiting for sin.
**He hath made **. . .—See Lamentations 3:6; and comp. Psalm 88:5-6.
**Long dead.**—Literally, either *dead of old, *or *dead for ever, *according as we take *‘ôlam *of past or future time. LXX., νεκροὺς αἰῶνος; Vulg., *mortuos sæculi.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
40-43. Those nations first seduced and then oppressed them (compare Jud 1:34; 2:14; 3:30). Their apostasies ungratefully repaid God's many mercies till He finally abandoned them to punishment (Le 26:39).
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.</strong> The conjunction "therefore" (<em>va-titatef</em>, וַתִּתְעַטֵּף) connects this verse to the previous description of persecution and darkness—David's internal state reflects his external circumstances. "My spirit" (<em>ruchi</em>, רוּחִי) is overwhelmed or faints within; the verb <em>ataph</em> (עָטַף) me...
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(4) See Psalm 142:3, and Notes.
**Is desolate.**—Or, more literally, as in Isaiah 59:16; Isaiah 63:5, &c, *wondered; *literally, *fills itself with astonishment.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
40-43. Those nations first seduced and then oppressed them (compare Jud 1:34; 2:14; 3:30). Their apostasies ungratefully repaid God's many mercies till He finally abandoned them to punishment (Le 26:39).
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.</strong> After expressing devastation (vv. 3-4), David pivots to remembrance—a crucial spiritual discipline when present circumstances overwhelm. "I remember" (<em>zakarti</em>, זָכַרְתִּי) is active recollection, deliberately calling to mind God's past faithfulness. "Days of old" (<em>yamim mikedem</...
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(5) See Psalm 77:5-6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
40-43. Those nations first seduced and then oppressed them (compare Jud 1:34; 2:14; 3:30). Their apostasies ungratefully repaid God's many mercies till He finally abandoned them to punishment (Le 26:39).
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.</strong> This verse employs vivid physical imagery to express spiritual longing—stretched hands and parched land both communicating desperate need for God. The gestures and metaphors convey intensity of desire that words alone cannot fully express.<br><br>"I stretch forth my hands unto thee" (פָּרַש...
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(6) With the first clause comp. Psalm 44:20.
**Thirsty land.—**See Psalm 63:1, which explains this elliptical sentence. As our Lord taught, God is even more ready to send the refreshing spiritual shower than man’s heart to receive it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
40-43. Those nations first seduced and then oppressed them (compare Jud 1:34; 2:14; 3:30). Their apostasies ungratefully repaid God's many mercies till He finally abandoned them to punishment (Le 26:39).
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. lest: or, for I am become like, etc
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.</strong> David's petition expresses urgency: "Hear me speedily" (<em>maher aneni</em>, מַהֵר עֲנֵנִי) literally means "hurry, answer me." The verb <em>maher</em> (מַהֵר) conveys haste—David cannot wait long; his situation is desperate. "My spirit faileth" uses <em>kal...
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(7) With the first clause comp. Psalm 69:17, with the second, Psalm 102:2,
This dependence on former psalms does not detract from the reality of the feeling expressed by means of these ancient sobs and cries. The contrast of the present with former times (Psalm 143:5) with the recollection of God’s dealings then, joined to thoughtful contemplation of the reality of His power as displayed in His wo...
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44-46. If, as is probable, this Psalm was written at the time of the captivity, the writer now intimates the tokens of God's returning favor.
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.</strong> This verse contains morning petition for two essential needs: to experience God's lovingkindness and to know His guidance. Both requests flow from established trust and uplifted soul, demonstrating the connection between devot...
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(8) **In the morning.—**Comp. Psalm 90:14. The expression either means “early,” or is figurative of the dawn of hope and salvation.
**The way wherein I should walk—**i.e., the way at once of duty and safety.
**I lift up my soul.—**Or, *my desire.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
44-46. If, as is probable, this Psalm was written at the time of the captivity, the writer now intimates the tokens of God's returning favor.
Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. flee: Heb. hide me with thee
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.</strong> After rehearsing distress (vv. 3-4), remembering God's works (v. 5), and crying for swift help (v. 7), David now makes his primary petition: "Deliver me" (<em>hatsileini</em>, הַצִּילֵנִי) from enemies. The verb <em>natsal</em> (נָצַל) means to snatch away, rescue, or save from danger. It's the language of deliver...
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(9) **I flee . . .**—Literally, *unto thee have I hidden. *A phrase which has been variously explained—(1) to Thee I have confided my troubles: (2) and, better, as in the Authorised Version, *to Thee I *(*have fled and*)* hid *(*myself*)*. *The reflexive use of the Hebrew verb is sufficiently established by Genesis 38:14; Deuteronomy 22:12 (Jonah 3:6 is doubtful).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
44-46. If, as is probable, this Psalm was written at the time of the captivity, the writer now intimates the tokens of God's returning favor.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.</strong> This verse expresses desire for divine instruction in God's will, grounded in covenant relationship and empowered by God's Spirit. David seeks not merely to know God's will intellectually but to DO it practically, with the Holy Spirit leading him into moral integrity and right l...
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(10) **Thy spirit is good; lead me.**—Or, rather, *let thy good spirit lead me. *(For the omission of the article with the adjective after the determinative noun, comp. Genesis 37:2.)
**Land of uprightness.—**Better, *level land *(Deuteronomy 4:43, “plain country;” comp. Jeremiah 48:21), here metaphorically of tranquility and happiness. (Comp. Isaiah 26:10; Psalm 27:11.)
Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.</strong> This verse contains urgent petition for renewed life and deliverance from trouble, grounded not in David's merit but in God's reputation (name) and character (righteousness). The appeals demonstrate understanding that God's glory and character guarantee His intervention on behalf of ...
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(11, 12) The last two verses are made of reminiscences of former psalm experiences. The verbs should be in the future, not the imperative.
**For thy name’s sake.—**Comp. Psalm 23:3, &c.
(11) **Quicken me, O Lord.—**Comp. Psalm 138:7 and Psalms 119 frequently.
**Out of trouble.—**Comp. Psalm 34:17; Psalm 142:7.
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.</strong> Psalm 143 concludes with imprecatory petition—prayer for God's judgment on enemies. Modern readers often find such prayers troubling, but they reflect honest faith that brings injustice to the righteous Judge rather than taking personal vengeance. David's final appeal rests on s...
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(12) Comp. Pss. xviii, 40, 54:7.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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