Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 143:3

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul , he hath smitten my life down to the ground : he hath made me to dwell in darkness , as those that have been long dead .

This is not a reason of what he last said, v. 2. but an argument to enforce his petition delivered v. 1. and repeated v. 7, &c. For though I am not faultless, if thou shouldest make an exact search into me, yet mine enemies are more culpable and highly unjust, and therefore I hope for thy help against them from thy justice as well as mercy.

i. e. My life; for nothing less will satisfie him.

He hath beaten me down to the ground where I lie strugling for life.

He hath forced me to have mine abode in dark vaults and caves.

Where I am out of sight and memory, and in as [illegible: 1+ letters]orlorn and hopeless a condition in the eye of man, as those that have [illegible: 1+ letters]ain long rotting in the grave.