Ps. 143 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm is much of the same nature with the former, and seems to have been composed much about the same time, and upon the like occasion. This is the last of those which are called penitential Psalms, the former being Psalms 6:0; Psalms 32:0; Psalms 38:0; Ps. 51:0; Ps.

Whereby thou art inclined and engaged to favour righteous persons and just causes.

But when I appeal to thy righteousness, I do it only with respect to mine enemies, whose cause as well as their persons is worse than mine, but not in reference to thee, as if I could absolutely justify myself upon a severe trial at the tribunal of thy justice; for if thou shouldst rigorously…

This is not a reason of what he last said, Ps. 143:2, but an argument to enforce his petition delivered Ps. 143:1, and repeated Ps. 143:7;c. For though I am not faultless, if thou shouldst make an exact search into me, yet mine enemies are more culpable and highly unjust, and therefore I hope for…

My spirit overwhelmed within me. See Poole “Ps. 61:2” See Poole “Ps. 142:3”. Is desolate; deprived of all hope and comfort. Or, is astonished.

I remember the days of old, i.e. what thou hast done for thy servants in former times; which he mentions either, 1. As matter of terror, to consider how unlike God now was unto himself and to his former dealings; or, 2. As matter of support from former experience, because God was still the same.

I stretch forth my hands unto thee; I pray to thee fervently. See Poole “Ps. 141:2”. Thirsteth after thee; after thy favour and help. As a thirsty land, to wit, thirsteth for rain.

That are dead and buried, of whom there is no hope.

In the morning, i.e. early, as this phrase is taken, Ps. 90:14, and elsewhere; seasonably and speedily. Wherein I should walk; so as to please thee, and to secure myself.

Without whose care these caves and rocks can give me no protection.

To do thy will; to continue in faithful obedience to thee, notwithstanding all temptations to the contrary. Thy spirit is good, lead me; or rather, as it is exactly in the Hebrew, and as many both ancient and modern translators render it, let thy good Spirit lead me.

Of thy mercy; out of thy mercy to me, whose life they seek.