Psalms 143:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 143:2
2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Chapter Context
Psalms 143 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, grace, faith. 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 6-12: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 143:2
2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Analysis
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. This plea introduces one of Scripture's most profound theological statements: universal human unrighteousness before God's perfect standard. The imperative "enter not into judgment" (al-tavo bemishpat, אַל־תָּבוֹא בְמִשְׁפָּט) begs God not to proceed with formal legal proceedings against David. Though God's servant, David knows he cannot withstand divine scrutiny.
"In thy sight" (lephanekha, לְפָנֶיךָ) means literally "before your face," in God's direct presence where nothing is hidden. The assertion "no man living be justified" (lo-yitsdak kol-chai, לֹא־יִצְדַּק כָּל־חָי) uses tsadaq (צָדַק), the root for righteousness—to be declared righteous, vindicated, or acquitted. David declares the impossibility of self-justification before God.
This verse profoundly anticipates Romans 3:20: "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight." Paul quotes Psalm 143:2 to establish universal sinfulness and the necessity of justification by faith alone. What David feared—standing in judgment—Christ endured, bearing our judgment so we might receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Believers can therefore cry "Abba, Father" rather than fleeing judgment.
Historical Context
Psalm 143 is the last of the seven Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), used throughout church history for confession and intercession. Early Christians recited these psalms during Lent. The psalm's superscription attributes it to David but provides no specific historical context, making it applicable to any believer's experience of guilt and need for divine mercy. The theology here—human unrighteousness before God's holiness—permeates the entire Old Testament witness and finds systematic expression in Paul's Romans exposition.
Reflection
- How does recognizing that 'no man living be justified' in God's sight deepen appreciation for justification by faith?
- What is the difference between fearing judgment as an unbeliever versus as a repentant servant of God?
- How should this verse shape your approach to confession and prayer?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Judgment: Job 14:3
- Righteousness: Job 4:17, 15:14, 25:4, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16
- Parallel theme: Psalms 130:3, Exodus 34:7, 1 John 1:10