Psalms 143

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

The psalmist prays for God’s love and mercy.

In this lament, the psalmist feels overwhelmed by constant trouble from his enemies, so he turns to the Lord’s love, righteousness, and faithfulness. He remembers what God has done in the past and longs for God to renew his love. He opens himself to God’s wisdom because he knows that God’s instruction leads to life.

Everyone has sinned and is guilty before God (Romans 3:20–24).

My spirit grows faint within me: The psalmist admits his desperation as his life seems to slip away under cruel and powerful enemies.

Remembering God’s acts from the past reassures the psalmist of God’s faithfulness (Psalms 42:4; 63:6; 77:3, 6; 119:55).

The psalmist’s thirst is a deep longing for God’s redemption (see Psalm 42:1–2).

The psalmist experiences depression. He describes himself as close to death from sorrow (Psalms 31:10; 119:87). He feels worn out (Psalms 39:10; 71:9; 119:81). He is weak from longing (Psalm 84:2). He feels overwhelmed by the burdens of life (Psalm 90:7, 9).

The psalmist asks the Lord to renew his love.

• The psalmist prays for wisdom (see Psalms 5:8; 25:4–6; 138; 143:10).

• Your good Spirit: The Spirit brings God's goodness (see Psalm 23:6).

revive: Here, it means to bring someone out of despair and restore them to life (Psalms 80:19; 85:6; 138:7).

The psalm ends with a prayer for God to show that the psalmist is in the right and to restore his life.