Commentary
Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 142
Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Browse this work.
1 I Cried unto the LORD with my voice : with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
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Either, 1. with the voice of my soul. But so this addition would be superfluous, and much more the repetition of it, because that is necessarily implied in the former word, I cried, and in the following, I make my supplication. Or rather, 2. with my corporeal voice, which the fervor of my soul forced me to use, when I could not do it without some danger, the enemy being at the mouth of the cave. And so this addition is emphatical, and therefore is repeated. But it is probable that David spoke with a low voice, and that he might do so without very great danger, is manifest from that discourse which passed between David and his men, even when Saul was entred into the cave, 1 Sam. 24, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Psalms 142:1. Public domain.
2 I poured out my complaint before him: I shewed before him my trouble.
I did it fully and fervently and confidently.
Marginal references: Psal. 102. tit.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Psalms 142:2. Public domain.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path : in the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
To wit, practically, so as to direct me to it.
What paths I should chuse whereby I might escape Saul, when I fled hither and thither in desarts and mountains and woods; and which way I should get out of his hands when he and all his men were at the caves mouth, which passed my skill.
Wherein I used to walk, or they supposed that I would walk.
Marginal references: Psal. 140. 5.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Psalms 142:3. Public domain.
4 I looked on my right hand , and beheld, but there was no man that would know me ; refuge failed me: no man cared for my soul .
The place where the Patron or Assistant used to stand. See Psal. 16. 8. & 109. 31. & 121. 5.
To wit, in Sauls Court or Camp: none of my former acquaintance and friends and relations.
Owne me, or shew any respect or kindness to me.
Or, for my life, to wit, to preserve it; but they all conspired to take it away; which is here implied.
Marginal references: Or, look on the right hand and see.; Psal. 88. 8.; Heb. per[illegible: 1+ letters] from me.; Heb. no man sought after [illegible: 1+ letters]y soul.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Psalms 142:4. Public domain.
5 I cried unto thee, O LORD, I said, Thou art my refuge, and my portion in the land of the living .
Thou onely art both my re[illegible: 1+ letters]uge to defend me from all evil, and my portion to supply me with all the good which I need and desire.
Even in this life, wherein I doubt not to see Gods goodness, as he said Psal. 27. 13.
Marginal references: Psal. 16. 5. & 73. 26.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Psalms 142:5. Public domain.
7 Bring my soul out of prison , that I may praise thy Name: the righteous shall compass me about : for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
Bring me safe out of this cave wherein I am imprisoned, and set me at perfect liberty.
Shall flock to me from all parts, partly out of curiosity to see such a spectacle and miracle of Gods power and mercy; and partly to rejoyce and bless God with me and for me and for all the benefits which they expect from my government.
Matthew Poole and continuators, Annotations upon the Holy Bible, Psalms 142:7. Public domain.
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