Keraia
Psalm 143

Psalm 143:7

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

Translations

Modern
Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.
Traditional
Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Literal
Hurry to answer me, O YHWH; my spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be likened with those going down to the Pit.
Latin
Velociter exaudi me, Domine; defecit spiritus meus. Non avertas faciem tuam a me, et similis ero descendentibus in lacum.

Original

Hebrew
English
Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.

Notes

Psalms 143:7

The psalmist experiences depression. He describes himself as close to death from sorrow (Psalms 31:10; 119:87). He feels worn out (Psalms 39:10; 71:9; 119:81). He is weak from longing (Psalm 84:2). He feels overwhelmed by the burdens of life (Psalm 90:7, 9).

Psalms 143:7–10

The psalmist asks the Lord to renew his love.

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 God’s Presence in the Psalms

Glossary

Mercy Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Depression