Psalms 142 · Adam Clarke
Introduction The psalmist, in great distress and difficulty, calls upon God, Psa 142:1-7 . The title says, "An Instruction of David," or a Psalm of David giving instruction; "A Prayer when he was in the cave." David was twice in great peril in caves. 1. At the cave of Adullam, when he fled from Achish, king of Gath, 1 Samuel 22. 2. When he was in the cave of En-gedi, where he had taken refuge from the pursuit of Saul; and the latter, without knowing that David was in it, had gone into it on some necessary occasion, 1 Samuel 24. If the inscription can be depended on, the cave of En-gedi is the most likely of the two, for the scene laid here. But were there doubts concerning the legitimacy of the title, I should refer the Psalm to the state of the captives in Babylon, to which a great part of the Psalms refer. Bishop Horsley calls it "A Prayer of the Messiah taken and deserted." It may be so: but where is the evidence, except in the conjectural system of Origen. Verse 1 I cried unto the Lord - See on Psa 141:1 (note).
Verse 3 Then thou knewest my path - When Saul and his army were about the cave in which I was hidden, thou knewest my path - that I had then no way of escape but by miracle: but thou didst not permit them to know that I was wholly in their power.
Verse 4 There was no man, that would know me - This has been applied to the time in which our Lord was deserted by his disciples. As to the case of David in the cave of En-gedi, he had no refuge: for what were the handful of men that were with him to Saul and his army?
Verse 5 Thou art my refuge - Even in these most disastrous circumstances, I will put my trust in thee.
Verse 6 I am brought very low - Never was I so near total ruin before. Deliver me from my persecutors - They are now in full possession of the only means of my escape. They are stronger than I - What am I and my men against this well-appointed armed multitude, with their king at their head.