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Psalms 142

7 verses

TL;DR

The psalmist cries out to the Lord for deliverance from persecution and isolation, expressing deep distress yet trusting in God's protection and promise of praise.

Summary

In Psalm 142, the psalmist begins with a heartfelt cry to the Lord, articulating his complaint and sorrow. He describes how he feels overwhelmed, surrounded by a hidden snare, and lacking anyone to know or support him. The psalmist declares his faith that the Lord is his refuge and that he is part of God's people in the land of the living. He beseeches the Lord to attend to his plea, asking for rescue from strong persecutors and deliverance from prison. Finally, he expresses hope that, after liberation, he will praise God's name and be surrounded by the righteous, trusting in God's generous care.

Outline
  1. The psalmist's lament and supplication to God.
  2. Expression of isolation, danger, and lack of support.
  3. Plea for deliverance and affirmation of faith in God's protection.
Themes
Seeking God's protection amid persecutionTrusting in divine refugeHopeful praise following deliverance
Keywords
crysupplicationcomplaintsnarerefugedeliverancepraise
People
The LORDthe psalmist
Places
land of the living
Things
refugesnarepersecutorsprisonpraise
Key Verses
  • Psalms 142:1: Sets the tone of a heartfelt cry and the psalmist’s direct supplication.
  • Psalms 142:7: Conveys the resolution of deliverance, the promise of praise, and the psalmist’s confidence in God’s bountiful care.
Questions
  • Why does the psalmist feel that no one can know him or provide refuge?
  • How does the psalmist’s view of God as a refuge influence his response to persecution?
  • What does the promise of praise after deliverance reveal about the psalmist’s faith?
Sentiment

mixed
The psalm contains both distress and hopeful trust in God.