Psalms 142

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

Yahweh, I cry out to you; I plead [with you to help me].

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

I am bringing to you [all] my problems; I am telling you [all] my troubles/difficulties.

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 I am very discouraged, you know what I should do. Wherever I walk, [it is as though] my enemies have hidden traps for me [to fall into].

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 look around, but there is no one who pays attention to me, no one who will protect me, no one who cares about [what happens to] me.

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

[So] Yahweh, I cry out to you [to help me]; you are the one who protects me; and you are all that I need while I am alive.

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than me.

Listen to me while I cry out to you [for help], because I am very distressed. Rescue/Save me from those who are pursuing me, because they are very strong, with the result that I cannot [escape from them].

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.

Free/Rescue me from my troubles/difficulties [MET] in order that I may thank you. If you do that, when I am with godly/righteous [people], [I will praise you] for having been very good to me.