Psalms 143 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 143

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. David pours out his heart to God in this particular psalm, seeking refuge and deliverance during a time of great distress and persecution. David reflects on his own spiritual condition and the challenges he faces, drawing upon his deep faith in God’s righteousness and mercy in this chapter. He acknowledges his own sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness, while also pleading for God’s guidance and protection. The psalm foreshadows the pivotal events in David’s life, including his flight from his son Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18) and the constant threats he faced from his enemies.

Throughout the passage, David makes numerous references to other biblical texts, such as the Mosaic law (Psalm 143:2) and the Exodus narrative (Psalm 143:5-6), demonstrating his deep knowledge and understanding of God’s word. This psalm serves as a powerful testament to the struggles and triumphs of a man after God’s own heart, and it continues to provide comfort and inspiration to believers throughout the ages.

Psalms 143:1-2

The verse in Psalms 143:1-2 reads, “O Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you.” This verse consists of two main parts. First, a plea to God to hear the prayer and answer it, and second, a recognition of God’s faithfulness and righteousness in judgment.

The psalmist begins by crying out to the Lord, asking for His attention and intervention in the form of answering his prayer. This shows the psalmist’s belief in the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God’s help in times of trouble. This act of turning to God in prayer is a common theme throughout the book of Psalms, showing the dependence of believers on God for guidance, protection, and provision.

The psalmist then acknowledges God’s faithfulness and righteousness as the basis for his plea to be heard. This reflects a deep understanding of God’s character and a confidence in His ability to act justly. The psalmist is appealing to God’s nature as a faithful and righteous God, who can be trusted to respond to the cries of His people. This is a crucial aspect of the psalmist’s reasoning, as it shows a relationship of trust and faith between the psalmist and God.

The mention of not putting the servant on trial because no one is innocent before God highlights the psalmist’s awareness of human sinfulness and the need for God’s mercy and grace. This recognition echoes throughout the Bible, illustrating the concept of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. Romans 3:23 affirms this sentiment, stating, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The psalmist’s plea for mercy is a reflection of the biblical theme of repentance and the understanding that salvation comes from God’s grace, not human righteousness. Psalms 143:1-2 encapsulates the essence of prayer, faith, and humility before God. It showcases the psalmist’s belief in God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and mercy, while also acknowledging human fallibility and the need for divine intervention and forgiveness. These themes resonate throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of trust in God, repentance of sins, and reliance on His grace for salvation.

Psalms 143:3-4

The enemy pursues me, crushes me to the ground, and makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead in Psalms 143:3-4. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.” This passage vividly captures the intense emotions of the psalmist as he describes the relentless pursuit and oppression he faces from his enemies. The imagery of being crushed to the ground and dwelling in darkness portrays a sense of overwhelming defeat and despair. The psalmist’s spirit is depicted as growing faint and his heart filled with dismay, emphasizing the deep anguish and distress he is experiencing.

The theme of facing enemies and the resulting afflictions is a common motif throughout the Psalms. The psalmist often cries out to God for deliverance and protection from those who seek to harm him. The psalmist’s vulnerability and fear are palpable in this passage, yet amid the darkness of his circumstances, he turns to God for refuge and strength. This highlights the enduring message of finding hope and solace in God, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

The concept of enemies in the Bible extends beyond physical adversaries to include spiritual forces of evil. The verse in Ephesians 6:12 mentions, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”” This broader perspective reminds believers that they are engaged in a spiritual battle and need to rely on God’s power to overcome.

The psalmist’s honest expression of his internal turmoil also reflects the human experience of wrestling with fear, doubt, and despair. The raw honesty of the psalms serves as a model for believers to bring their true feelings and struggles before God. This vulnerability and transparency in prayer demonstrate a relationship built on trust and intimacy with God, who is able to handle our deepest emotions and doubts. This passage in Psalms 143 ultimately illustrates the timeless message of finding strength and hope in God amidst adversity. It encourages believers to pour out their hearts to God, even when facing overwhelming challenges, knowing that He is a refuge in times of trouble. The psalmist’s journey from despair to trust serves as a powerful example of how faith can sustain us through the darkest moments of life.

Psalms 143:5-6

The verse in Psalms 143:5-6 can be broken down into two critical sections: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your works; I muse on the work of your hands.”
2. “I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah.”

Starting with the first section: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your works; I muse on the work of your hands. The psalmist reflects on the past in this part. The “days of old” refer to the historical acts of God, particularly His deliverance of His people, the Israelites, from various trials. The psalmist is recalling these instances to draw strength, faith, and courage from them. The psalmist finds reassurance that God is with him even in his current challenges by meditating on God’s works and reflecting on His past faithfulness. This act of remembering and meditating on God’s faithfulness is a recurring theme in the Bible. Deuteronomy 32:7 instructs to “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past.”” Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” This verse emphasizes the importance of learning from the past and passing on faith stories from generation to generation.

Moving on to the second section: “I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah.” Here, the psalmist’s response to remembering God’s works is to reach out to Him in prayer with a deep desire for His presence. The imagery of stretching out hands signifies a posture of surrender, supplication, and longing for God’s help. The psalmist compares his soul’s thirst for God to a parched land, highlighting the intense spiritual need and longing for God’s intervention and comfort. This expression of thirst for God’s presence and guidance echoes similar sentiments found in other parts of the Bible. “My soul pants for you, my God, as the deer pants for streams of water,” says Psalms 42:1-2. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” This metaphor of thirst and longing for God illustrates a profound spiritual yearning that is central to a believer’s relationship with God. Psalms 143:5-6 captures the essence of reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past, seeking His presence in the present, and expressing a deep longing for His intervention. The psalmist’s journey from remembering God’s works to stretching out hands in prayer reveals a pattern of faith, trust, and reliance on God amidst trials and challenges. This passage emphasizes the timeless message of finding solace and strength in God’s past faithfulness, fervently seeking Him in prayer, and acknowledging the spiritual thirst that can only be quenched by a close relationship with the Almighty.

Psalms 143:7-8

Two distinct sections in Psalm 143:7-8 are crucial to understanding the psalm as a whole. Let’s identify the subject: “we”
Rewritten sentence: We will break it down and delve deeper into the meanings behind these verses.

Firstly, verse 7 reads, “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.” This verse expresses a sense of urgency and desperation in the psalmist’s plea to God for help. The psalmist is in a state of distress, feeling as though their spirit is failing and they are on the brink of despair. They are showing their faith and dependence on God to intervene in their time of need by asking the Lord to answer quickly. The fear of God hiding His face from the psalmist is a common theme in the Bible, symbolizing the absence of God’s presence and guidance, which could lead to spiritual death and despair. This request for God’s quick response reflects the psalmist’s deep longing for God’s presence and salvation.

Next, in verse 8, it says, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” This verse shifts from a tone of desperation to one of hope and trust in God’s unfailing love. The psalmist looks to the morning as a symbol of new beginnings and a fresh start, hoping to receive reassurance of God’s love and faithfulness. The psalmist acknowledges that by placing their trust in God, God alone has the power to guide them on the right path and fulfill their purpose. This act of surrendering one’s life to God signifies total reliance on His wisdom and direction.

The overarching message of these verses in the context of Psalms 143 is the importance of seeking God’s presence, guidance, and unfailing love in times of trouble. The psalmist’s raw emotions and sincere cries for help demonstrate the depth of their relationship with God, showcasing a blueprint for believers to turn to God with their troubles and trust in His providence. These verses echo similar sentiments found throughout the Bible, where individuals like David, Job, and Moses faced hardships, yet continued to place their faith in God’s sovereignty and love. The psalmist’s journey from distress to hope in Psalm 143 showcases the transformative power of seeking God in all circumstances. This psalm serves as a reminder that God is always present, ready to answer our cries for help and lead us on the path of righteousness. Just as the psalmist found solace in God’s unfailing love and guidance, we too can find comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Psalms 143:9-10

The verses in Psalms 143:9-10 cry out to God for deliverance and guidance. Let’s break down these significant sections:

Verse 9: “Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in you I take refuge.”
– These words express a plea for protection from enemies, which can symbolize any type of threat or danger that the psalmist is facing. This cry for deliverance is a common theme throughout the Book of Psalms, where many psalmists call upon God to rescue them from their adversaries. This theme reinforces the belief in God’s protection and ability to provide safety in times of trouble.

• The mention of taking refuge in God emphasizes the trust and faith the psalmist has in God as a place of safety and security. This idea of seeking refuge in God is echoed in other verses in the Bible, such as Psalm 91:2, which says, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” This act of seeking refuge in God carries a powerful message of reliance on His strength and protection.

Verse 10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
– This verse reflects a desire for God’s guidance and instruction in following His will. The psalmist not only seeks deliverance from enemies but also asks God to lead and teach them in the ways that are pleasing to Him. This demonstrates a humble posture of submission to God’s authority and a willingness to align one’s actions with His divine plan.

• The reference to God as the psalmist’s teacher and the plea to be led by His Spirit highlight the importance of seeking divine wisdom and direction in navigating life’s challenges. This notion of relying on God’s Spirit to guide one’s steps is also found in the New Testament, where Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be a counselor and helper to believers (John 14:26). These verses from Psalms 143 convey timeless messages of trust, faith, and obedience to God. The psalmist’s plea for deliverance and guidance resonates with readers who may also be facing trials or uncertainties in their lives. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is a faithful protector and a trustworthy guide on life’s journey by turning to Him as a source of refuge and seeking His will.

Psalms 143:11-12

The verses in Psalms 143:11-12 can be broken down into two main sections: “For Your name’s sake, O Lord, revive me. Bring my soul out of trouble in Your righteousness.”
2. Cut off my enemies in Your mercy, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.”

Starting with the first section, the Psalmist is crying out to the Lord for revival and deliverance. The request to be revived “for Your name’s sake, O Lord” shows a deep understanding that any restoration or redemption received is not for personal glory, but for the honor and renown of God’s name. This sentiment is a powerful reminder for us today to seek God’s intervention in our lives not for selfish gain, but for God’s glory. The plea for righteousness to bring the soul out of trouble symbolizes the trust placed in God’s justice and fairness to rescue from distressing situations. This aligns with the biblical concept that God is a righteous judge who comes to the aid of those who call upon Him in truth and humility.

Moving on to the second section, the Psalmist asks for God’s mercy in dealing with their enemies. The request to “cut off my enemies” and “destroy all those who afflict my soul” reveals the depth of the Psalmist’s desperation for deliverance from those who seek to harm them. This echoes many instances in the Bible where God’s people faced adversaries and relied on God to intervene on their behalf. One prominent example is the Israelites being pursued by the Egyptians and how God miraculously parted the Red Sea to save His people from destruction (Exodus 14). The plea for protection from enemies is a common theme in the Psalms and serves as a reminder for believers to turn to God in times of trouble and trust in His ultimate power to defeat all adversaries. These verses from Psalms 143 ultimately encapsulate the timeless message of seeking God’s intervention in times of trouble, acknowledging His righteousness and mercy, and trusting in His deliverance from enemies. The Psalmist’s humble posture as a servant of God reflects the importance of submitting to God’s will and recognizing His sovereignty in every aspect of life. We, as believers today, can draw strength from these verses to seek revival in God, trust in His righteousness, and rely on His mercy to overcome our enemies and afflictions.

After Psalms 143

The psalmist cried out to the Lord, pleading for mercy and deliverance from his enemies. He acknowledged his own unworthiness, but trusted in God’s righteousness and steadfast love. The psalmist found comfort in remembering God’s past faithfulness and longed for the Lord to guide him on the right path. The psalmist looked to the future with hope as his lament came to a close. Knowing that the Lord is a God of justice and compassion, the psalmist anticipated the day when his enemies would be defeated and he would be restored. With this assurance, the stage was set for the next chapter of the psalmist’s journey, where he would continue to walk in the light of God’s presence.