Psalms 142

I Cried unto the LORD with my voice Either, 1. with the voice of my soul. But so this addition would be superfluous, and much more the repetition of it, because that is necessarily implied in the former word, I cried, and in the following, I make my supplication. Or rather, 2. with my corporeal voice, which the fervor of my soul forced me to use, when I could not do it without some danger, the enemy being at the mouth of the cave. And so this addition is emphatical, and therefore is repeated. But it is probable that David spoke with a low voice, and that he might do so without very great danger, is manifest from that discourse which passed between David and his men, even when Saul was entred into the cave, 1 Sam. 24, 4, 5, 6, 7.: with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

I poured out I did it fully and fervently and confidently. my complaint before him: I showed before him my trouble.

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest To wit, practically, so as to direct me to it. my path What paths I should choose whereby I might escape Saul, when I fled hither and thither in desarts and mountains and woods; and which way I should get out of his hands when he and all his men were at the caves mouth, which passed my skill.: in the way wherein I walked Wherein I used to walk, or they supposed that I would walk. have they privily laid a snare for me.

I looked on my right hand The place where the Patron or Assistant used to stand. See Psal. 16. 8. & 109. 31. & 121. 5., and beheld, but there was no man To wit, in Sauls Court or Camp: none of my former acquaintance and friends and relations. that would know me Owne me, or show any respect or kindness to me.; refuge failed me: no man cared for my soul Or, for my life, to wit, to preserve it; but they all conspired to take it away; which is here implied..

I cried unto thee, O LORD, I said, Thou art my refuge, and my portion Thou only art both my re... uge to defend me from all evil, and my portion to supply me with all the good which I need and desire. in the land of the living Even in this life, wherein I doubt not to see Gods goodness, as he said Psal. 27. 13..

Attend unto my cry, for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

Bring my soul out of prison Bring me safe out of this cave wherein I am imprisoned, and set me at perfect liberty., that I may praise thy Name: the righteous shall compass me about Shall flock to me from all parts, partly out of curiosity to see such a spectacle and miracle of Gods power and mercy; and partly to rejoyce and bless God with me and for me and for all the benefits which they expect from my government.: for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.