Psalms 142

1 [A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.] I cry with my voice to the LORD. With my voice, I ask the LORD for mercy.

AN INSTRUCTION OF DAVID. A PRAYER WHEN HE IS IN THE CAVE. My voice [is] to YHWH, I cry, My voice [is] to YHWH, I beg [for] grace.

2 I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles.

I pour forth my meditation before Him, I declare my distress before Him.

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.

When my spirit has been feeble in me, Then You have known my path; In the way [in] which I walk, They have hid 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.

Looking on the right hand—and seeing, And I have none recognizing; Refuge has perished from me, There is none inquiring for my soul.

5 I cried to you, LORD. I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

I have cried to you, O YHWH, I have said, “You [are] my refuge, 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 loud cry, For I have become very low, Deliver me from my pursuers, For they have been stronger than I.

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.

Bring forth my soul from prison to confess Your Name, The righteous surround me about, When You confer benefits on me!