Psalms 142

1 “A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.” With my voice I cry unto the Lord: with my voice I make supplication unto the Lord.

A maskil of David, while he was in the cave, a prayer. Loudly I cry to the Lord: to the Lord plead loudly for mercy,

2 I pour out before him my grief: my distress I recite before him.

I pour my complaint before him, I tell my troubles to him.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me—and thou knowest well my path—on the way whereon I desired to walk they had secretly laid a snare for me.

When my spirit is faint within me, my path is known to you. In the way I am wont to walk in, they have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right, and behold, yea, there is no man that recognizeth me: [every] refuge is lost to me; there is no one that careth for my soul.

I look to the right and the left; but not a friend have I. No place of refuge is left me, not a man to care for me.

5 I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of life.

So I cry to you, O Lord: I say, “My refuge are you, all I have in the land of the living.”

6 Listen unto my entreaty; for I am very miserable: deliver me from my pursuers; for they are too mighty for me.

Attend to my piercing cry, for very weak am I. Save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

7 Bring forth out of prison my soul, that I may thank thy name: with me shall the righteous crown themselves, when thou wilt deal bountifully with me.

Free me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name, for the righteous are patiently waiting till you show your bounty to me.