Old Testament
Psalms 143
Plea for Mercy and Guidance
Overview
Acknowledging that no one can stand innocent before divine judgment, the psalmist casts himself before God in humility and anguish, moves through sacred memory and bodily longing toward urgent petition, and finally surrenders in a threefold request — to be taught, revived, and vindicated — grounding every plea not in personal merit but in God's steadfast love and holy name.
Passages
Study Resources
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Psalms 143
1A Psalm by David. Hear my prayer, Yahweh. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.
2Don’t enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous.
3For the enemy pursues my soul. He has struck my life down to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead.
4Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate.
5I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.
6I spread out my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. Selah.
7Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit.
8Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
9Deliver me, Yahweh, from my enemies. I flee to you to hide me.
10Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11Revive me, Yahweh, for your name’s sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.
12In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.