Psalms 142:3-7

142:3 Even when my strength leaves me,

you watch my footsteps.

In the path where I walk

they have hidden a trap for me.

142:4 Look to the right and see!

No one cares about me.

I have nowhere to run;

no one is concerned about my life.

142:5 I cry out to you, O Lord;

I say, “You are my shelter,

my security in the land of the living.”

142:6 Listen to my cry for help,

for I am in serious trouble!

Rescue me from those who chase me,

for they are stronger than I am.

142:7 Free me from prison,

that I may give thanks to your name.

Because of me the godly will assemble,

for you will vindicate me. 10 


tn Heb “my spirit grows faint.”

tn Heb “you know my path.”

tn Heb “there is no one who recognizes me.”

tn Heb “ a place of refuge perishes from me.”

tn Heb “there is no one who seeks for the sake of my life.”

tn Heb “my portion.” The psalmist compares the Lord to landed property, which was foundational to economic stability in ancient Israel.

tn Heb “for I am very low.”

tn Heb “bring out my life.”

tn Or “gather around.”

10 tn The Hebrew idiom גָּמַל עַל (gamalal) means “to repay,” here in a positive sense.