Psalms
Psalm 143
KJV
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
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.
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
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.
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.
Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
Overview
Psalm 143 moves from an urgent appeal for mercy through oppression and spiritual exhaustion to remembered trust, renewed guidance, deliverance, and a final request that judgment remain in God's hands.
Setting and context
The canonical heading identifies a Psalm of David but gives no specific historical episode. The prayer combines confession of human limits, distress, memory, guidance, and dependence on God's steadfast love.
Themes
Mercy and faithfulness · Human limits before judgment · An overwhelmed spirit · Remembering God's works · Guidance and obedience · Deliverance without private vengeance
Reflection
Bring distress and moral need honestly to God, remember past faithfulness, seek a teachable path, and refuse to turn prayers for justice into private retaliation.
Reading notes
The final judgment language is addressed to God inside a lament; it does not authorize private revenge, vigilantism, or violence against modern opponents.
Key passages
Psalm 143:2: The prayer refuses self-righteousness and acknowledges that no living person can stand before divine judgment on personal merit. Psalm 143:8: Trust seeks both reassurance of steadfast love and concrete guidance for the way ahead. Psalm 143:10: The psalm asks to be taught God's will and led by God's good Spirit.
Questions readers ask
Does Psalm 143 command revenge against enemies? No. The psalm places judgment in God's hands while the petitioner seeks mercy, guidance, and deliverance.