PSALM 143
. In structure and style, like the preceding (Psalms
104-142), this Psalm is clearly evinced to be David's. It is a prayer
for pardon, and for relief from enemies; afflictions, as usual,
producing confession and penitence.
1. in thy faithfulness . . . and . .
. righteousness—or, God's regard to the claims which He has
permitted His people to make in His covenant.
2. enter . . . judgment—deal
not in strict justice.
shall no . . . justified—or,
"is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3;
Romans 3:20).
3, 4. The exciting reason for
his prayer—his afflictions—led to confession as just made: he now
makes the complaint.
as those that have been long
dead—deprived of life's comforts (compare Psalms 40:15;
Psalms 88:3-6).
5, 6. The distress is aggravated
by the contrast of former comfort (), for whose return he longs.
a thirsty land—which
needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Psalms 28:1;
Psalms 89:17).
7. spirit faileth—is
exhausted.
12. God's mercy to His people is
often wrath to His and their enemies (compare ).
thy servant—as chosen
to be such, entitled to divine regard.
PSALM 143
. In structure and style, like the preceding (Psalms 104-142), this Psalm is clearly evinced to be David's. It is a prayer for pardon, and for relief from enemies; afflictions, as usual, producing confession and penitence.
1. in thy faithfulness . . . and . . . righteousness—or, God's regard to the claims which He has permitted His people to make in His covenant.
2. enter . . . judgment—deal not in strict justice.
shall no . . . justified—or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Romans 3:20).
3, 4. The exciting reason for his prayer—his afflictions—led to confession as just made: he now makes the complaint.
as those that have been long dead—deprived of life's comforts (compare Psalms 40:15; Psalms 88:3-6).
5, 6. The distress is aggravated by the contrast of former comfort (), for whose return he longs.
a thirsty land—which needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Psalms 28:1; Psalms 89:17).
7. spirit faileth—is exhausted.
8. (Compare Psalms 25:1-4; Psalms 59:16).
the way . . . walk—that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Psalms 59:16).
9. (Compare ).
10. (Compare Psalms 5:8; Psalms 27:11).
land of uprightness—literally, "an even land" (Psalms 27:11).
11. (Compare Psalms 23:3; Psalms 119:156).
12. God's mercy to His people is often wrath to His and their enemies (compare ).
thy servant—as chosen to be such, entitled to divine regard.