Psalm 143:3 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.

NASB: For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.

CSB: For the enemy has pursued me, crushing me to the ground, making me live in darkness like those long dead.

NLT: My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.

KJV: For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

NKJV: For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead.

Psalm 143:1–6 records David's prayer for mercy. This appeals to God's faithfulness, since David knows he is imperfect and sinful (Romans 3:10; Psalm 51:4–5). Enemies have driven him into a state of anxiety. Yet he remembers what the Lord has already done for him (1 Samuel 17:37; 19:10). Based on that history, David eagerly seeks God in prayer (Psalm 63:1).

David begins by appealing to God's goodness and loyal love. He acknowledges his own imperfections. He prays to be saved from the threat of violent enemies. These opponents overwhelm David, driving him into a dark, weak feeling. Yet David is encouraged to look back on all the times the Lord has provided rescue. David ties this anticipated salvation to his intent to praise and worship God as their mutual enemies are defeated.

This psalm combines several themes seen in David's other songs. He calls for rescue (Psalm 16:1; 25:19–20), admits his natural weakness against sin (Psalm 51:4–5; 141:3–4), recalls God's prior works (Psalm 145:4–5), asks for guidance (Psalm 25:5), and expresses confidence (Psalm 16:10; 138:7–8). Possible inspirations are the persecutions of Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–14).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 7/4/2025 7:58:48 AM