An Appeal For Deliverance
February 3, 2023
Commentary
In this chapter I can’t help but be impressed with David’s brutal honesty about himself. He doesn’t attempt to project positive images about himself but is forthright and objective. Because of his spiritual poverty he’s ready for a mighty work of God in his life and he desperately needs one. He tells us that his enemies are still pursuing him relentlessly and that he is being forced to stay in desert caves for protection (vv. 3-4).
In this Psalm we don’t hear the mighty king of Israel. Instead, we hear the pathetic plea of one who recognizes that power does not come from physical strength or military strategy, but in trusting the faithfulness and righteousness of God. David opens his prayer by making it plain that he does not deserve being heard but he is pleading for mercy. Then he tells how he is being persecuted by his enemies and ends with a plea for deliverance. It is interesting to note how David desires to hear the voice of the Lord in the morning (v. 8). It is evident that he is in desperate danger. The prayer recorded in the last verses of this chapter exhibits a remarkable usage of verbs. His prayer was: “Hear me” (v. 7); “Cause me” (v. 8); “Deliver me” (v. 9); “Teach me” (v. 10); “Lead me” (v. 10); and “Quicken me” (v. 11).
Application
My prayer is for the Lord to fill me with His Spirit today. I need Him to guide me, enable me, teach me, comfort me, and help me as I continue in my pilgrimage on this earth.
Psalms 143:1– 12 (NET)
1 O Lord, hear my prayer. Pay attention to my plea for help. Because of your faithfulness and justice, answer me.
2 Do not sit in judgment on your servant, for no one alive is innocent before you.
3 Certainly my enemies chase me. They smash me into the ground. They force me to live in dark regions, like those who have been dead for ages.
4 My strength leaves me; I am absolutely shocked.
5 I recall the old days. I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on your accomplishments.
6 I spread my hands out to you in prayer; my soul thirsts for you in a parched land. (Selah)
7 Answer me quickly, Lord. My strength is fading. Do not reject me, or I will join those descending into the grave.
8 May I hear about your loyal love in the morning, for I trust in you. Show me the way I should go, because I long for you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord. I run to you for protection.
10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God. May your kind presence lead me into a level land.
11 O Lord, for the sake of your reputation, revive me. Because of your justice, rescue me from trouble.
12 As a demonstration of your loyal love, destroy my enemies. Annihilate all who threaten my life, for I am your servant.