Catholic Bible
Mosaico decorativo

Psalms, 143

0.

0. A Psalm of David.

1. [Psalm Of David] Yahweh, hear my prayer, listen to my pleading; in your constancy answer me, in your saving justice;

1. Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications! In thy faithfulness answer me, in thy righteousness!

2. do not put your servant on trial, for no one living can be found guiltless at your tribunal.

2. Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee.

3. An enemy is in deadly pursuit, crushing me into the ground, forcing me to live in darkness, like those long dead.

3. For the enemy has pursued me; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.

4. My spirit is faint, and within me my heart is numb with fear.

4. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.

5. I recall the days of old, reflecting on all your deeds, I ponder the works of your hands.

5. I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that thou hast done; I muse on what thy hands have wrought.

6. I stretch out my hands to you, my heart like a land thirsty for you.Pause

6. I stretch out my hands to thee; my soul thirsts for thee like a parched land. [Selah]

7. Answer me quickly, Yahweh, my spirit is worn out; do not turn away your face from me, or I shall be like those who sink into oblivion.

7. Make haste to answer me, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not thy face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

8. Let dawn bring news of your faithful love, for I place my trust in you; show me the road I must travel for you to relieve my heart.

8. Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love, for in thee I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to thee I lift up my soul.

9. Rescue me from my enemies, Yahweh, since in you I find protection.

9. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies! I have fled to thee for refuge!

10. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your generous spirit lead me on even ground.

10. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!

11. Yahweh, for the sake of your name, in your saving justice give me life, rescue me from distress.

11. For thy name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life! In thy righteousness bring me out of trouble!

12. In your faithful love annihilate my enemies, destroy all those who oppress me, for I am your servant.

12. And in thy steadfast love cut off my enemies, and destroy all my adversaries, for I am thy servant.



Read the Bible in a Year

Join our community and complete the entire Bible in 365 days. A structured and inspiring path to deepen your faith and knowledge of Scripture.

Join the Program Download the PDF Plan

Footnotes:

143:1-2 - The psalmist implores God's mercy, recognizing that no human being is righteous in God's eyes. This highlights the need for divine grace for salvation and the forgiveness of sins (see also Romans 3:10-12 and Ephesians 2:8-9).

143:3-4 - The psalmist describes the oppression of his enemies, which left him in a state of despair. This lament reveals the anguish that often accompanies the life of faith and the need to rely on God's comfort (see also Psalm 22:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

143:5-6 - The psalmist meditates on God's works and extends his hands in prayer, thirsting for an encounter with the Lord. This search for God in times of despair is a central theme of biblical spirituality (see also Psalm 63:1-2 and Isaiah 26:9).

143:8-9 - The psalmist trusts that God's goodness will guide him and deliver him from his enemies. He recognizes that the path of righteousness is found through divine guidance and dependence on His will (see also Psalm 25:4-5 and Proverbs 3:5-6).

143:10-11 - The request for God to teach His way and keep the psalmist alive is a plea for wisdom and spiritual preservation. God's will is the guide to righteous living, and His Spirit is the comforter in trials (see also Psalm 119:33 and John 14:26).

Verses related to Psalms, 143:

Psalm 143 presents an intense plea for deliverance and guidance. How does David deal with the oppression of his enemies? This heartfelt text combines confession of sin, request for divine intervention, and desire to know God's ways. The psalm addresses themes such as human frailty, divine mercy and the search for God's will. Psalm 143 serves as a model for prayer in times of despair and disorientation. Consider with us five biblical passages that align with the spiritual quest expressed in this penetrating psalm.

Romans 3:20: "Therefore, no one will be declared righteous before him based on obedience to the law, for it is through the law that we become fully aware of sin." - This verse relates to Psalm 143:2, where the psalmist recognizes that no one is righteous before God.

Lamentations 3:22-23: "Thanks to the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his mercies are inexhaustible. They are renewed every morning; Great is your faithfulness!" - This passage reflects the spirit of Psalm 143:8, where the psalmist seeks God's mercy in the morning.

John 14:26: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I told you." - This verse echoes the request in Psalm 143:10 that God teach the psalmist to do His will.

Ephesians 6:12: "For our fight is not against people, but against the powers and authorities, against the rulers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly regions." - This passage relates to Psalm 143:9, where the psalmist asks for deliverance from his enemies.

2 Timothy 1:7: "For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, of love and of balance." - This verse reflects the call in Psalm 143:11-12 for strengthening and destroying enemies.

FAQ:

What does David ask God in Psalm 143?

David asks God to deliver him from his enemies, restore his spirit, and guide him in his righteousness. (Psalm 143:1-11)

What does "do not enter into judgment" mean in Psalm 143?

David pleads with God not to judge him based on his imperfection, but to show him mercy. (Psalm 143:2)

How does David express his trust in God's mercy?

David expresses his hope in God's mercy, asking Him to hear him and deliver him despite his mistakes. (Psalm 143:8-10)

Why does David speak of "his spirit being broken"?

David describes his despair and dejection, asking for the restoration of his soul and God’s guidance. (Psalm 143:4-7)

What can we learn about perseverance in prayer from Psalm 143?

Psalm 143 teaches us to persist in prayer, even in times of difficulty, trusting in God to renew our strength. (Psalm 143:11)


Bibles

Old Testament

New Testament

Follow us