Psalms 142

1 The understanding of David. A prayer, when he was in the cave. With my voice, I cried out to the Lord. With my voice, I made supplication to the Lord.

Maschil. Of David. A prayer when he was in the hole of the rock. The sound of my cry went up to the Lord; with my voice I made my prayer for grace to the Lord.

2 In his sight, I pour out my prayer, and before him, I declare my tribulation.

I put all my sorrows before him; and made clear to him all my trouble.

3 Though my spirit may become faint within me, even then, you have known my paths. Along this way, which I have been walking, they have hidden a snare for me.

When my spirit is overcome, your eyes are on my goings; nets have been secretly placed in the way in which I go.

4 I considered toward the right, and I looked, but there was no one who would know me. Flight has perished before me, and there is no one who has concern for my soul.

Looking to my right side, I saw no man who was my friend: I had no safe place; no one had any care for my soul.

5 I cried out to you, O Lord. I said: You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.

I have made my cry to you, O Lord; I have said, You are my safe place, and my heritage in the land of the living.

6 Attend to my supplication. For I have been humbled exceedingly. Free me from my persecutors, for they have been fortified against me.

Give ear to my cry, for I am made very low: take me out of the hands of my haters, for they are stronger than I.

7 Lead my soul out of confinement in order to confess your name. The just are waiting for me, until you repay me.

Take my soul out of prison, so that I may give praise to your name: the upright will give praise because of me; for you have given me a full reward.