David Cries out From the Cave
A wisdom psalm of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.
David prays in a cave and describes total isolation: look to my right, and nobody recognizes me, no refuge is left, nobody cares whether I live. He calls his Father his portion in the land of the living and asks to be brought out of prison.
142 1With my voice I cry out to my Father; with my voice I plead with him for mercy. a a v1 A maskil is a contemplative teaching song—a psalm meant to be pondered, not just sung. 2I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. 3When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way. In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 4Look to my right and see—there is no one who recognizes me; no refuge remains for me; no one cares for my life. 5I cry to you, my Father; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." 6Listen to my cry, for I am brought very low. Rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7Bring my soul out of prison, so I can give thanks to your name. The righteous will gather around me, for you will be so good to me.
