< Psalms 142 >
1 [A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.] I cry with my voice to Jehovah. With my voice, I ask Jehovah for mercy.
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.
2 I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles.
In his sight, I pour out my prayer, and before him, I declare my tribulation.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my path. In the way in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.
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.
4 Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul.
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.
5 I cried to you, Jehovah. I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
I cried out to you, O Lord. I said: You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.
6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than me.
Attend to my supplication. For I have been humbled exceedingly. Free me from my persecutors, for they have been fortified against me.
7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me.
Lead my soul out of confinement in order to confess your name. The just are waiting for me, until you repay me.