Psalm 142

Psalm 142[a]

1. maskil[b] of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer. 1 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

2. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.

3. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.

4. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

5. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

6. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

7. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 142:1: In Hebrew texts 142:1-7 is numbered 142:2-8.
b. Psalm 142:1: Title: Probably a literary or musical term