Psalm 143 – A Prayer for Deliverance
David pleads for God's mercy, guidance, and deliverance from his enemies.
Psalm 143 finds David overwhelmed, his spirit fainting as an enemy presses him into darkness like the long dead. This prayer of desperation follows the plea of Psalms 142 and asks God to answer swiftly, in faithfulness and righteousness.
A Psalm of David. O HaShem, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications; in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness.
And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath crushed my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
And my spirit fainteth within me; my heart within me is appalled.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doing; I muse on the work of Thy hands.
I spread forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a weary land. Selah
Answer me speedily, O HaShem, my spirit faileth; hide not Thy face from me; lest I become like them that go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul.
Deliver me from mine enemies, O HaShem; with Thee have I hidden myself.
Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my G-d; let Thy good spirit lead me in an even land.
For Thy name's sake, O HaShem, quicken me; in Thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
And in Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that harass my soul; for I am Thy servant.