Psalm 142:7 - I Lift My Voice to the LORD
Free my soul from prison
This phrase reflects a deep sense of entrapment and longing for liberation. In the context of David's life, it is often associated with his time hiding from King Saul in the cave, as described in 1 Samuel 22. The "prison" here is metaphorical, representing the emotional and spiritual confinement David feels due to his circumstances. This plea for freedom can also be seen as a type of Christ, who came to set captives free (Luke 4:18). The imagery of prison is used throughout Scripture to describe the bondage of sin and the need for divine intervention (Isaiah 61:1).
that I may praise Your name
The purpose of David's request for deliverance is not merely personal relief but to glorify God. This reflects a common biblical theme where deliverance leads to worship and testimony (Psalm 50:15). Praising God's name signifies acknowledging His character and deeds. In the Hebrew culture, a name encapsulates identity and reputation, so praising God's name is an act of declaring His faithfulness and power. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that whatever we do should be for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The righteous will gather around me
David anticipates a community of the faithful surrounding him, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms where the righteous are depicted as a supportive and encouraging community (Psalm 1:5-6). This gathering can be seen as a foreshadowing of the church, the body of believers who support one another in faith. It also reflects the biblical principle that God places the solitary in families (Psalm 68:6), emphasizing the importance of fellowship and unity among God's people.
because of Your goodness to me
The goodness of God is a central theme in Scripture, often linked to His covenant faithfulness and mercy (Exodus 34:6). David's confidence in God's goodness is rooted in his personal experience of God's past deliverances and blessings. This phrase underscores the biblical truth that God's goodness leads to repentance and transformation (Romans 2:4). It also highlights the idea that God's actions in our lives are a testimony to others, drawing them to witness His grace and mercy.
Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often found himself in dire situations, such as when he was hiding in a cave from King Saul.
2. Cave of Adullam
A possible setting for this psalm, where David sought refuge while fleeing from Saul, symbolizing a place of confinement and distress.
3. The Righteous
Refers to those who are faithful to God and who will gather around David, recognizing God's deliverance and goodness.
4. God's Goodness
The central theme of the psalm, highlighting God's faithfulness and mercy in delivering David from his troubles.
5. Prison
Used metaphorically to describe David's feeling of being trapped or confined by his circumstances, seeking liberation through God's intervention.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Liberation
Just as David sought freedom from his physical and emotional "prison," believers today can seek spiritual liberation from sin and despair through Christ.
The Power of Praise
David's desire to praise God upon his deliverance underscores the importance of worship and gratitude in the believer's life, even amidst trials.
Community of the Righteous
The gathering of the righteous around David highlights the importance of fellowship and support within the Christian community, especially during times of distress.
God's Faithfulness
Trust in God's goodness and faithfulness is central to overcoming life's challenges, as demonstrated by David's confidence in God's deliverance.
Hope in Adversity
David's plea serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope and assurance in God's ability to rescue and restore.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 142If Psalm 7:8 claims personal righteousness, does this contradict the broader biblical teaching of universal sinfulness (e.g., Romans 3:10)?Psalm 142:7 promises praise once delivered--how does such certainty stand against the reality of suffering believers whose pleas remain unresolved?Does Romans 7:23-24's depiction of a 'law waging war' conflict with Psalms and other texts that describe humans as inherently capable of righteousness?If Psalm 11:7 affirms God's love of righteousness, why does the broader biblical narrative allow for continued injustice and suffering?
(7) Out of prison.--This expression, which must certainly be figurative of distress (comp. Psalm 143:11), probably led to the inscription.
Compass me about.--The Hebrew word here employed is used in a hostile sense in Psalm 22:12; Judges 20:43; Habakkuk 1:4. It is better, therefore, to follow the LXX. and render:
"In my case the righteous are waiting
Till," &c . . .
Verse 7. - Bring my soul out of prison. The word "prison" is used symbolically, as a metaphor for trouble and distress (comp. Psalm 88:8; Psalm 107:10-14). That I may praise thy Name; or, "that men may praise thy Name." David's deliverance from his enemies would cause the godly generally to "praise the Lord." The righteous shall compass me about; rather, in me shall the righteous triumph (Kay, Cheyne). Viewing my cause as their own, they will glory in my deliverance (comp. Psalm 35:27; Psalm 40:16). For thou shalt deal bountifully with me; i.e. thou writ assuredly "hear my cry" and "deliver me" (see the preceding verse).
Hebrew
Free
ה֘וֹצִ֤יאָה (hō·w·ṣî·’āh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim
my soul
נַפְשִׁי֮ (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
from prison
מִמַּסְגֵּ֨ר ׀ (mim·mas·gêr)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4525: A fastener, a smith, a prison
that I may praise
לְהוֹד֪וֹת (lə·hō·w·ḏō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3034: To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan
Your name.
שְׁ֫מֶ֥ךָ (šə·me·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name
The righteous
צַדִּיקִ֑ים (ṣad·dî·qîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous
will gather around me
יַכְתִּ֣רוּ (yaḵ·ti·rū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3803: To enclose, to crown, to besiege, to wait
because
כִּ֖י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction
of Your goodness
תִגְמֹ֣ל (ṯiḡ·mōl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1580: To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen
to me.
עָלָֽי׃ (‘ā·lāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
Links
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Psalm 142:7 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison that (Psalm Ps Psa.)