The Lord Will

Psalms

Psalm 142

KJV

1

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.

Overview

Psalm 142 voices distress from confinement and isolation, pours out complaint before God, names hidden danger and lack of human support, and ends with hope for deliverance and restored community.

Setting and context

The canonical heading identifies a Maskil of David and a prayer when he was in the cave. The prayer does not romanticize isolation or forbid practical help.

Themes

Honest lament · God knows the path · Isolation and abandonment · Refuge in God · Deliverance and restored community

Reflection

Bring distress honestly to God while also seeking safe, practical and communal support.

Reading notes

The psalm presents isolation as distress, not as an ideal, and does not forbid seeking human help.

Key passages

Psalm 142:1: Urgent prayer is voiced openly before God. Psalm 142:4: Isolation and lack of visible support are named honestly. Psalm 142:7: The prayer ends with deliverance, gratitude and restored fellowship.

Questions readers ask

Does Psalm 142 glorify isolation? No. It names isolation as distress and moves toward refuge, deliverance and restored community.