Psalm 143 (142):5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Apostle articulates this when he urges, “Remember your former days, when, having been enlightened, you endured a great contest of sufferings” (Heb. 10:32). He poses a contrasting question: “What fruit did you have then? Such works as now you yourselves are ashamed of” (Rom. 6:21). Another wise saying counsels that in all our endeavors we should contemplate our end, for doing so will help us avoid sin (Sir. 7:39). While this speaks of a future outcome, the inevitability of death has its roots in the past. Similarly, when Paul aims to console or illuminate someone, he draws evidence from both timeframes. He states, “I do not want to leave you, brethren, in ignorance, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; but God was not well pleased with many of them” (1 Cor. 10:1-5). He also references future consequences: “which shall undergo punishment, eternal destruction, from the face of the Lord, and from the glory of His might” (2 Thess. 1:9), and notes, “but wrath is coming upon them to the end” (1 Thess. 2:16); “for the day will show, because it is revealed in fire” (1 Cor. 3:13); and “for because of this the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience” (Eph. 5:6). In times of enlightening or comforting, he identifies resources from both the past and the future. He quotes from the past, saying, “blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, that we also may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which God comforts us ourselves!” (2 Cor. 1:3, 4), and speaks of the future: “the present temporal sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). Thus, the Psalmist asserts, “I remembered the days of old; I found instruction in all Thy works,” implying not just a simple recollection but a diligent effort to meditate on past occurrences. Indeed, we derive substantial comfort and encouragement from biblical narratives. Paul notes, “for whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4), and reiterates, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching” (2 Tim. 3:16). In times of sorrow and confusion, the Psalmist also found comfort by reflecting on historical events and the myriad ways in which God’s providence has been evident. Another translator, Aquila, states that he “studied all Thy works," indicating that through contemplating these divine actions, he found profound consolation and drew closer to God, further elaborating on this theme.

Let us allow our Lord to articulate His thoughts; let Christ, in all His fullness, express Himself. "Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplication" (Psalm 142:1). Hearing and receiving with intent are synonymous—this repetition denotes affirmation. "In Your truth, answer me; in Your righteousness." It is crucial that You consider it with utmost attention, as it is spoken in Your righteousness. We partake in the grace that ensures none of us rely on our righteousness as our own. The righteousness of God is bestowed upon us. What does the apostle say about those who take pride in their righteousness? Concerning the Jews, he mentions that they possess a zealous spirit for God, but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). You are mistaken if you attribute blame for your misdeeds to God while claiming goodness for yourselves: true righteousness comes when you attribute your wrongdoings to yourselves and your good deeds to God. So, in Your righteousness, hear me, for when I examine myself, I see nothing but sin.

"Do not enter into judgment with Your servant" (Psalm 142:2). Who would willingly enter judgment with the Almighty, other than those ignorant of God’s righteousness, attempting to justify their own? “For what purpose have we fasted if You do not see us; what have we done to humble ourselves that You do not regard?” (Isaiah 58:3). They imply, "We have obeyed Your commands; why do You not reward us?" God responds: “I grant you the ability to act so that you may truly receive what I promise.” To such haughty individuals, the Prophet poses the question: "Why will you contend with Me? All of you have transgressed against Me” (Jeremiah 2:29). Why engage in judgment with Me while reciting your own acts of righteousness? Before You, no one living can be justified; all who dwell in the flesh and anticipate death are descendants of Adam. Each living soul might justify themselves to their own perception, but not before You. They may seek approval through self-pleasing rather than pleasing You. Therefore, "Do not enter into judgment with me, O Lord my God." Despite how upright I perceive myself, You hold up a standard from Your treasury, which reveals my shortcomings. The honor of participating in this judgment does not belong to You, neither in the courts of the judge nor with a friend (Matthew 5:40).

What of the Apostles? He instructed them in our prayers, presenting a model of supplication as our Heavenly Teacher outlined how we should pray (Matthew 6:9). After stating specific requests, He guided the shepherds, the elected leaders of the flock, even inspiring them to say, "Forgive us our debts" (Matthew 6:12). They did not proclaim, "Thanks be to You for forgiving us our debts, as we also forgive," but rather, "Forgive us as we forgive." This prayer—beloved by the faithful—was entrusted to the Apostles. If this petition only referred to the debts cleansed by Baptism, it would be more fitting to say, "Forgive us our debts." Let the Apostles then confirm, "Forgive us our debts." And inquires arise: "Why do you say that? What debts do you reference?" For not everyone living before You will stand justified.

"The enemy has pursued my soul; he has brought my life down to the ground" (Psalm 142:3). Here, we witness our Head speaking on our behalf. The devil has relentlessly chased the Soul of Christ, while Judas brought turmoil to his Master’s Soul; today, the same adversary continues to assail the Body of Christ, with betrayers aplenty. Thus, it remains true that many utter, "The enemy persecutes my soul." Those who oppose us seek to undermine our celestial hope and entice us towards worldly desires, coaxing submission to our persecutors. "They have placed me in darkness like those who die in the world." This sentiment is more profoundly understood through Him, for He truly died for us but was not among the dead of the world. Who are these worldly dead? Those who perished in their own abandonment, experiencing the fruit of iniquity—a death stemming from sins upon them, as it is written, "For I was conceived in iniquity." In His dying declaration, He states, "I fulfill the will of My Father, yet I am not deserving of death. I have committed no act warranting my demise." His innocent death redeemed those deserving of death. They imprisoned me in Hades, within the tomb, and during His Passion.

"And my spirit is overwhelmed within me" (Psalm 142:4). Even unto death, "My soul is deeply grieved" (Matthew 26:38). Here, we notice a unified voice—do we not discern the shift from the Head to His members, and vice versa?

But we too belong to this testimony. "I remembered the days of old" (Psalm 142:5). Did He call to mind the origins of creation each day? Not in that manner; rather, the body exclaims: "Anyone justified by Your grace, residing in love and humility, remembers all Your works, for You created everything good, ensuring all stands firm." His creation dazzled me; I sought the Creator within His creation. For what purpose, if not to recognize that all goodness within me emanated from Him? Look to the Creator of your life, the Author of your being, righteousness, and salvation; reflect upon the works of His hands, for even the righteousness within you belongs to His crafting. The apostle elucidates this by stating, "Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9-10). Certainly, we possess good deeds; however, he specifies, "For we are His creation." In this context, he refers not to our human nature, but to our actions. Let us not deliberate further; instead, focus on the text: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." Do not presume any merit arises from your efforts apart from His influence. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12-13). If our salvation is to be worked out, why should it be approached with fear and trembling if everything is within our capability? Listen with reverence, for God works within you to will and perform His good pleasure. Therefore, heed with caution and humility that our Maker may delight in working through us in this lowly realm.

"I stretch out my hands to You; my soul is like a parched land before You" (Psalm 142:6). "Rain upon me," he implores, "to yield good fruit from me." For the Lord bestows sweetness that our land may produce. I am stretching out my hands to You; my soul languishes, parched of water, craving You, for I cannot satisfy myself.

"Answer me speedily, O Lord" (Psalm 142:7). Why do You hesitate to quench my thirst when I am already so thirsty? You have withheld the rain that I might absorb, not repulse Your outpouring. If you have delayed for this reason, now grant me relief, as my spirit falters. May Your Spirit fill me; thus, You should hear me. I now find myself humbled in spirit; make me blessed in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). For those whose spirit is filled with pride find themselves proud against God.

"Do not hide Your face from me." When You turned away Your gaze, I was filled with pride. In my complacency, I claimed, "I shall not be shaken." Unaware of Your righteousness, I relied on my own, yet You, Lord, granted strength to my stature. I boasted of my stability, but all my fullness comes from You. You turned Your face away, revealing my vulnerability. Afterward, having been cast down after You turned away, my spirit grew weak, my heart troubled because You withdrew; then I recognized myself as parched earth: do not turn away Your face. You turned away when I was prideful; restore it now that I am humbled. If You hide Your face, I will be like those destined for the pit. What does it mean to descend into the pit? A sinner who plunges into sin demonstrates contempt. The pit is where the sinner loses even their hope of confession, for Scripture avers, "Do not let the pit close its mouth to me."

"Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You I trust" (Psalm 142:8). Even in darkness, "I trust in You until the iniquity of night vanishes." As Peter articulated, we hold to "a more certain prophetic word," to which we do well to pay attention, like a light illuminating a dark place until daybreak and the morning star rises in our hearts. What will this time of morning entail? Merely waiting for morning will not suffice; we must act. What actions are required? God must be sought out with our hands during the night. What do our hands represent? Our good deeds. Thus, we must strive for the morning, endure this night, and persist in patience until day breaks; how shall we act in the interim? Do not think that your actions alone will lead you to morning. "Show me, O Lord, the path I should take." Therefore, He illuminated the lamp of prophecy and dispatched the Lord, almost as flesh incarnate, to declare, "My strength fails me." Walk according to prophecy, follow the light of the foretold future, abide by the Word of God.

"Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for I seek refuge in You" (Psalm 142:9). I, who once fled from You, now run to You. For Adam hid from God's face among the trees of Paradise; it is stated of him in the Book of Job, "As a servant who flees from his master and finds shade." He fled from the Lord’s presence and found refuge, but woe to him who remains in shadows, for it is said, "All has passed away like a shadow" (Wisdom 5:9). These are the rulers of this world, the dominions of darkness, against which you contend. Your struggle is significant, for you may not see your adversaries yet triumph. Against the entities of worldly authority, which embody evil, it is said, "The world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him" (John 1:10). It is toward You I run.

"Teach me to perform Your will, for You are my God" (Psalm 142:10). What a glorious acknowledgment! You are my God. Should I seek after another, if I was fashioned by another? You are my everything, not merely the Giver of my inheritance, but my very inheritance. Should I seek a benefactor for redemption? You are my God. In having been created, do I wish to be recreated? You are my God, my Creator. Teach me, for it cannot be that You are my God while I remain my own master. Observe how grace is lifted before us. This truth you cherish, that you may possess a zeal for God, yet not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). Say this: "Your good Spirit, not my flawed spirit, will guide me into the true land. For my spirit has previously led me astray." What good works can I count as justification without Your assistance?

Hear, then, with all your strength, the voice of Grace; through it, you are redeemed at no cost. "For Your name's sake, O Lord, revive me in Your righteousness" (Psalm 142:11); not by my means—not due to my merits, but because of Your mercy. If my merits had been in question, only punishment would be due to me. You have stripped me of my claims and bestowed upon me Your gifts. You will deliver my soul from distress, and in Your compassion, You will obliterate my adversaries and all who seek to humiliate my soul, for I am Your servant (Psalm 142:12).

This brought me hope in my own struggles: that You have not abandoned them, and similarly, You will not leave me without grace and assistance as I endure my afflictions in their true depth.

Therefore, the Goldsmith observes that great comfort can indeed come from understanding both the past and present. As God oversees current events with the same principles that governed ancient times, recalling history can deliver profound reassurance in today's challenges. Look to the generations of old, he urges, and witness those who, in their faith in the Lord, were not shamed (Sir. 8:1). Paul wrote that all these events occurred as examples for us and were documented for our guidance (1 Cor. 10:11). Not only do we find benefits in the recollections of others, but we can also draw strength from our personal experiences, as the Apostle said: Remember your earlier days when you were enlightened and endured significant hardships (Heb. 10:32). Thus, this man, David, doesn’t merely state that he remembered, but he also reflected deeply, engaging in contemplation as a vital task. The stories within the scriptures can serve as great sources of encouragement and meditation for us. As Paul noted, we may maintain our hope through patience and gain encouragement from the scriptures (Rom. 15:4). Theodoret remarks that he has contemplated the calamities from which You have delivered our ancestors, preventing their foes from prevailing against them. He considered the trials faced by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, and from these reflections, he found solace.

You are not called to engage directly in battle; rather, what is essential is a steadfast spirit that remains untroubled by the notion of conflict, focusing instead on the pursuit of peace and compassion. Among the many examples of admirable deeds, recall the holy Anastasia the Beguiler, who, during the trials of martyrdom, attended to those in peril of being seized by their tormentors. She tended to their wounds, provided nourishment and medicine, and offered every form of comfort and care to those in distress.

In contrast, David set a different objective for himself: he bolstered his hope by recalling the long-standing mercies of God, including not only those he had experienced since his youth but also the ancient accounts that demonstrated the continual nature of God’s paternal goodness towards His faithful people. Although he expresses that this comfort did not instantaneously relieve his pains and trials, he persistently engaged in learning until he ultimately reaped the sweetest rewards of his efforts. “Thou shalt learn in all Thy works,” he proclaims, adding, “in the works of Thy hand I have learnt.” Just as we sometimes sample the blessings of God’s deeds and then distract ourselves with other matters, it is understandable that no lasting comfort would take root within us. Thus, to ensure our contemplation of God’s works is fruitful, we must constantly approach it with diligent focus.

He describes his plight as being brought low—humiliated and trodden down to the point of death. This is illustrated by the imagery of darkness, which serves as a metaphor for profound suffering, possibly indicating sheol, evoking the idea of being irrevocably cut off from life, as if he is destined for oblivion. In this dire state, the psalmist draws strength from recalling the miraculous grace God extended in bygone days. With assurance, he appeals to God, yearning for His assistance.

"My soul is to Thee" signifies an ardent longing for divine refreshment, akin to how parched earth longs for rain. The urgency of his plea is amplified by the overwhelming internal turmoil and external threats he faces, likening his plight to one approaching the brink of a pit. He hopes the Lord will swiftly answer him, based on his confidence in God's sustaining presence, and teach him the path of righteousness, which is essential for receiving help.

The psalmist desires deliverance from his adversaries and seeks divine guidance to fulfill God's will accurately. The notion of the "way" in verse eight and the basis of righteousness in verse ten emphasize the pursuit of virtue. Surely, the Lord will lead the psalmist along the upright path, rescuing him from mortal danger and liberating him from his enemies.