142:1 *[A maskil** of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.] I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. / *In Hebrew texts 142:1-7 is numbered 142:2-8. / **Title: Probably a literary or musical term
142:2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.
142:3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.
142:4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
142:5 I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
142:6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
142:7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.