Psalm 142

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. The psalmist’s complaint. (1-4)

A. I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication.

B. I poured out my complaint before Him; I shewed before Him my trouble.

C. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path.

D. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

E. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me.

F. Refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

II. The psalmist’s confession. (5-7) I said:

A. Thou art my refuge.

B. Thou art my portion in the land of the living.

C. Thou art my strength:

1. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low.

2. Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

D. Thou art my deliverer:

1. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy name.

2. The righteous shall compass me about.

3. Thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 142,5(4) וּרְאֵה {B} MT, Hebr // exeg: G? σ', S, T / theol: 11Qa ואראה