Psalms 142:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 142:6
6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Chapter Context
Psalms 142 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, worship, holiness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-7: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 142:6
6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Analysis
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. The imperative haqshivah (הַקְשִׁיבָה), "attend," is an urgent plea for God's attention—literally "prick up your ears." David needs immediate divine intervention, not eventual relief. His "cry" (rinnah, רִנָּה) can mean joyful singing but here denotes an urgent shout for help, showing how the same voice that praises must also plead.
"I am brought very low" translates dallothi me'od (דַּלּוֹתִי מְאֹד)—David is utterly weakened, impoverished, reduced to nothing. The verb dalal means to be thin, weak, or brought low. Combined with me'od (exceedingly), this expresses extremity. Yet in this weakness, David turns to God rather than despair. Paul's thorn taught him the same truth: "when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
"They are stronger than I" acknowledges realistic assessment of the threat. David doesn't pretend courage he doesn't feel or strength he doesn't possess. Instead, he appeals to God's strength to overcome superior human force. This models spiritual warfare: our enemies (sin, Satan, death) are stronger than us, but not stronger than God. Victory comes through dependence, not self-sufficiency.
Historical Context
Saul commanded Israel's army and had resources David lacked as a fugitive. The power differential was vast—king versus outlaw, army versus small band, established authority versus disenfranchised rebel. Yet this psalm demonstrates that earthly power hierarchies mean nothing when God intervenes. Israel's history repeatedly showed God delivering the weak from the strong (Gideon, David vs. Goliath, etc.), teaching that divine favor matters more than human advantage. This theme culminates in Christ's kingdom—advanced not by political power but through weakness, suffering, and the cross.
Reflection
- How do you respond when adversaries are 'stronger than you'—with despair, self-reliance, or dependence on God?
- What is the relationship between honest acknowledgment of weakness and genuine faith?
- How does this verse challenge contemporary Christianity's emphasis on strength, success, and self-confidence?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 17:1, 79:8, 116:6, 136:23