Keraia
Psalm 143

Psalm 143:3

I Stretch Out My Hands to You · Psalm 143:1–12
Read Psalm 143

Translations

Modern
For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.
Traditional
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.
Literal
For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like the dead of old.
Latin
Quia persecutus est inimicus animam meam; humiliavit in terra vitam meam; collocavit me in obscuris, sicut mortuos sæculi.

Original

Hebrew
English
For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.

Notes

Psalms 143:3–4

My spirit grows faint within me: The psalmist admits his desperation as his life seems to slip away under cruel and powerful enemies.

Psalms 143:1–12

In this lament, the psalmist feels overwhelmed by constant trouble from his enemies, so he turns to the Lord’s love, righteousness, and faithfulness. He remembers what God has done in the past and longs for God to renew his love. He opens himself to God’s wisdom because he knows that God’s instruction leads to life.

Psalms 138:1–145:21

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

Theme notes and profiles

David

Glossary

Mercy Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Colors: Black: A Symbol of Affliction and Calamity Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Persecution: The Wicked: Active In The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction