Psalm 143 (142):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This yearning was intensified in Him by the weight of His suffering; thus, God permitted these trials to escalate, highlighting His immense providence. He not only brought forth creation but also tends to it, caring for humanity and all of creation. Acknowledging this, Paul proclaims, “for by Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28) and reiterates, “and by Him all things stand” (Colossians 1:17). David articulates, “all wait for food from Thee, that Thou mayest give them well: when Thou givest them, they shall receive; when Thou openest Thy hand, all shall be filled with good things. But when Thou turnest away Thy face, they shall be crumpled; Thou takest away their spirit, and they shall vanish away, and return to their land” (Psalm 103:27-29). He also states, “he shall look upon the earth, and cause it to quake” (Psalm 103:32). Isaiah affirms, “shall sit above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22). In matters of virtue, it is noted, “unless the Lord builds the house, in vain do the builders labour” (Psalms 126:1); and further, “He that setteth the unfruitful in the house is like a mother who maketh merry for her children” (Psalms 112:9). Therefore, He shakes the earth, igniting the mountains to reveal His sovereignty (Psalms 103:32). This is why He darkens the sun and orchestrates an eclipse, declaring His creative might. The Scriptures record instances where the sun reversed its course and the moon halted alongside it, among many other miracles. Such occurrences were evident when the knowledge of God was not prevalent; however, today, the events themselves testify to the Lord's presence. Witness the darkness and transformation of the elements that befell Egypt. If some assert that this eclipse transpired due to natural causes rather than by God’s command, they must explain how the eclipse occurred at Christ's crucifixion—a phenomenon that arose not at a typical time but when nature, by all accounts, deemed it impossible, specifically on the fourteenth of the month during the full moon, when eclipses cannot occur. Yet, they remain unable to provide explanations. Thus, it is clear that, like all other occurrences, eclipses happen at the directive of the Creator.

Let our Lord speak; let the entirety of Christ address us. "Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplications," as stated in Psalm 142:1. Hearing and receiving a petition is a reiteration; it serves as confirmation. "In Your faithfulness, answer me, in Your righteousness." This petition should be considered with profound attention to Your righteousness, as it is by grace that none of us claim righteousness on our own. The righteousness we possess is a gift from God. The apostle notes that while the Jews exhibited a zeal for God, it was not founded on knowledge, as expressed in Romans 10:2. You are corrupt, attributing your wrongdoing to God while claiming goodness for yourself. You will find true righteousness only when you acknowledge your sins and God’s goodness.

"Do not enter into judgment with Your servant," as mentioned in Psalm 142:2. Who would dare stand against Him but those who, blinded to God’s righteousness, strive to justify their own? "Why have we fasted and You have not seen; why have we humbled ourselves and Your knowledge is absent?" (Isaiah 58:3). This suggests a plea to God, "We followed your commands; why have you not rewarded us?" God responds, “I will grant you what you need to receive my promises: I have provided you with the means to fulfill what is required.” To the proud, the Prophet declares, "Why do you contend with Me? All have sinned against Me," says the Lord (Jeremiah 2:29). Why do you seek to defend your righteousness? In Your eyes, no one living can be justified. Everyone who lives in the flesh and waits for death—drawing their breath from Adam—may justify their actions before themselves, but not before You. They seek to satisfy their own desires, neglecting to please You.

Lord my God, do not come to judgment with me. In my own eyes, I might appear righteous, yet You set the standard by which I am measured. I find myself unworthy. It is beneath You to contest with Your servant or even with a friend, as noted in Matthew 5:40. Consider the Apostles who learned to pray as we do, taught by the heavenly Counselor. "Pray this way," He instructed in Matthew 6:9. He guided them to intercede, “Forgive us our debts," rather than merely thanking Him for past forgiveness. They petitioned, "Forgive us as we also forgive," affirming the ongoing nature of this prayer.

"For the enemy has pursued my life; he has humbled my days to the ground," as expressed in Psalm 142:3. Here, our Head speaks on our behalf. The adversary has tormented the soul of Christ and continues to afflict His Body through agents like Judas. Those who persecute us aim to draw us away from our hope in heaven, enticing us to cling to earthly desires. "They placed me in dark places, like the dead of the earth." This echoes the headship of Christ, who died for us, yet was not among the dead of this world. The dead of this world perish in their sin and without redemption. Speaking of His death, Christ asserts, "I fulfill the will of My Father; I do not deserve to die, for I die on behalf of others, that the innocent may lead the guilty to salvation."

"And my spirit within me is overwhelmed," says He in Psalm 142:4. My soul, too, is distressed even to the point of death (Matthew 26:38). We witness a unified voice transitioning from the Head to the members of His Body.

"I remember the days of old," as stated in Psalm 142:5. Is He referring to ancient times leading to creation? No, but the body acknowledges that anyone justified by His grace, abiding in Him through love and humility, reflects on His deeds. I have contemplated all Your creations; You made all things good, confirming that nothing stands without Your will. I look upon the Creator in His creation, realizing that all goodness stems from Him. Thus, acknowledge the Author of your life, who grants you righteousness and salvation—meditate on the works of His hands, for righteousness belongs to Him, as the apostle teaches us not to boast of our works (Ephesians 2:9-10). We are His handiwork, made anew in Christ Jesus for good works. Know that our actions alone do not merit us anything; rather, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," as instructed in Philippians 2:12-13, for it is God who operates within you to fulfill His good will.

"I stretch out my hands to You; my soul is like parched ground before You," as noted in Psalm 142:6. Rain upon me, O Lord, to nourish my spirit. For the Lord will bring sweetness, that our lands may yield a bountiful harvest. "My soul thirsts for You; I cannot quench my own thirst."

"Hasten to hear me, O Lord," Psalm 142:7 implores. Why have You delayed in satisfying my thirst? You have withheld the rains to deepen my yearning for Your outpouring. Now grant me a drink, for my spirit weakens. Fill me with Your Spirit, for I am poor in spirit and seek blessing in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). Those in whom Your Spirit resides are humble, while those filled with pride are disconnected from You.

"Do not hide Your face from me," as I felt abandoned in my pride. In times of abundance, I boasted, "I will not be shaken." I claimed my own righteousness and distanced myself from You. Yet it was You, O Lord, who sustained my glory. When I declared that I would remain steadfast, I failed to recognize that my strength was solely from You, which is confirmed when You turn away and I become troubled. After my hardships and the anguish of having Your presence withdrawn, I became like dry earth: do not turn Your face from me. When I was foolishly proud, Your withdrawal left me desolate.

"Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; I trust in You," as stated in Psalm 142:8. Though I dwell in darkness, I remain hopeful in You until evening evils pass away. For as Peter teaches, we have a prophetic word that is steadfast; we must heed it as a light shining in darkness, ensuring our actions align with anticipation of dawn. Mere hope for morning is inadequate; we must proactively seek God during these dark times through our deeds, pursuing righteousness until the day breaks. Guide me, O Lord, in the path I should take. He sent the lamp of prophecy as a guide, instructing us to follow the path laid out in Your Word.

"Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord; in You I seek refuge," as asserted in Psalm 142:9. I now run to You, having once fled. Adam hid from God among the trees, as the Book of Job states. “As a servant fleeing from his Master” signifies a need for shelter from darkness. Woe to those who linger in shadows, as all may vanish like a fleeting shadow (Wisdom 5:9). I contend with the rulers of this world—the dark forces led by the adversary—not human authorities; they are the very ones who do not recognize Him (John 1:10).

"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God," proclaims Psalm 142:10. This is a wondrous acknowledgment! You are my all, my God—not just the giver of my inheritance but also my inheritance itself. Should I search for a patron to redeem me? You are my God. If I am to be renewed, You are my Creator, who fashioned me by His Word and reinstated me by that very same Word. "Teach me," for I cannot claim ownership over my life if You are my God. Recognize the splendor of grace—this is your joy, for through grace, you are saved freely.

"For Your name’s sake, O Lord, revive me in Your righteousness," as stated in Psalm 142:11; not by my efforts, but by Your mercy. If I could demonstrate any merit, I would deserve punishment. You have stripped me of my own righteousness and bestowed upon me Your gifts. "You will bring my soul forth from trouble," and with Your mercy, You will vanquish my adversaries, those who oppress me because I am Your servant, as noted in Psalm 142:12.

Through this imagery, he conveys his approach to God with deep passion, as if the very lifeblood within him had entirely evaporated, a sentiment he elaborates on in the following verse, where he presents a remarkable testament to his faith. Despite feeling weary and nearing death, he remains steadfast and unmoving in spirit, not swaying to and fro, but choosing to dwell solely in the presence of God. Even though he faced a profound and relentless battle with sorrow—so intense that it felt like the spirit within him was fading—this desolation did not overpower the resilience that is often celebrated in stoic philosophy, which regards the overcoming of fears, griefs, and afflictions with disdain.

To be brought low—humiliated, crushed to dust, nearing death—depicts great affliction; this might refer to grave circumstances such as sheol, where the psalmist feels as though he is already lost, akin to those who have departed from the world, eternally forgotten (dead ages). In this hopeless state, he draws strength from the remembrance of God's past miraculous interventions (v.5). With that confidence, he earnestly seeks the Lord's aid (v.6).

His soul yearns for God as a parched land craves rain, signifying a deep thirst for revitalization and longing for divine presence. He pleads for a swift response, as he faces intense internal pressure (my spirit is gone) and looming external threats (I am like those going down into the pit). He beseeches the Lord for prompt help, grounded in his hope (I have trusted in Thee, take up my soul), imploring Him to hear and act, teaching him the path of righteousness—the only means by which he may receive assistance (vv.7-8). The psalmist asks the Lord to rescue him from his adversaries, praying for divine guidance so that he might faithfully fulfill God's will (vv.9-10). The path mentioned in v.8 and the source of righteousness in v.10 refer to the way of virtue. Surely, God will respond; His Spirit will lead the psalmist along the straight path of righteousness, saving him from the danger of death and liberating him from his enemies (10-12).