Logo - Feel The Words
JPS

Psalms Chapter 143 (JPS)

minutes - words.
Psalm 143 – A Prayer for Deliverance
Tap a verse to highlight it

1 A Psalm of David. O HaShem, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications; in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness.

2 And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3 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.

4 And my spirit fainteth within me; my heart within me is appalled.

5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doing; I muse on the work of Thy hands.

6 I spread forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a weary land. Selah

7 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.

8 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.

9 Deliver me from mine enemies, O HaShem; with Thee have I hidden myself.

10 Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my G-d; let Thy good spirit lead me in an even land.

11 For Thy name's sake, O HaShem, quicken me; in Thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.

12 And in Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that harass my soul; for I am Thy servant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalm 143 about?
It's a prayer for mercy and guidance, opening with "hear my prayer, O LORD... enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified" (vv.1-2).
What does verse 8 ask God to reveal each morning?
V.8 asks, "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning... cause me to know the way wherein I should walk," a daily request for direction. Compare Psalms 25:4-5.
How does the psalmist describe his emotional state?
V.4 says, "my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate," reflecting deep distress under persecution (v.3).

Today's Verse

For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 31:29 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

In Psalms 143:8, David asks to hear God's lovingkindness each morning and to be shown the way he should walk. The psalm's plea for mercy leads naturally into Psalms 144.