Psalm 142:4 - I Lift My Voice to the LORD

Look to my right and see;
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the right side was considered a place of honor and protection. The psalmist's plea to "look to my right" suggests a search for an ally or defender, someone who would stand by him in times of trouble. Biblically, the right hand is often associated with strength and support, as seen in passages like Psalm 16:8 and Isaiah 41:10. The absence of anyone on the psalmist's right highlights his isolation and vulnerability, a theme echoed in the life of Jesus, who was often abandoned by His closest followers in His time of need (Matthew 26:56).

no one attends to me.
This phrase underscores the psalmist's sense of abandonment and neglect. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, community and kinship were vital for survival and support. The lack of attention from others would have been a profound source of distress. This feeling of being forsaken is mirrored in the experiences of many biblical figures, such as Job (Job 19:14) and even Jesus, who cried out on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). It reflects the human condition of loneliness and the need for divine intervention.

There is no refuge for me;
The concept of refuge is significant throughout the Psalms, often symbolizing God's protection and safety (Psalm 46:1). The psalmist's lament that there is "no refuge" indicates a lack of physical and spiritual sanctuary. In biblical times, cities of refuge provided safety for those in danger (Numbers 35:11-15), but here, the psalmist finds no such place. This absence of refuge points to a deeper spiritual truth that ultimate safety and rest are found in God alone, a theme fulfilled in Christ, who offers Himself as a refuge for sinners (Hebrews 6:18).

no one cares for my soul.
The soul, or "nephesh" in Hebrew, represents the entirety of a person's being. The psalmist's statement that no one cares for his soul highlights a profound sense of neglect and spiritual desolation. In the biblical narrative, God is portrayed as the ultimate caretaker of the soul, as seen in Psalm 23:3, where He restores the soul. This phrase also foreshadows the ministry of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and who cares deeply for the souls of humanity, offering rest and salvation (Matthew 11:28-29).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often found himself in dire situations, seeking refuge and expressing his reliance on God.

2. Cave of Adullam
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 142 is often associated with David's time hiding in the cave of Adullam, a place of refuge during his flight from Saul.

3. Enemies
Though not named in this verse, David's enemies, including King Saul, are the implicit threat that drives him to seek refuge and express his feelings of abandonment.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Isolation
Even the most faithful believers can experience times of profound loneliness and abandonment. Recognizing this can help us empathize with others and seek God's presence in our own times of need.

God as Our Refuge
When earthly support fails, God remains our steadfast refuge. This truth encourages us to turn to Him in prayer and trust, just as David did.

The Importance of Community
While David felt alone, the broader biblical account emphasizes the importance of community. We are called to be attentive to those around us who may feel isolated, offering support and care.

Prayer as a Lifeline
David's psalm is a prayer, reminding us of the power and necessity of prayer in times of distress. It is through prayer that we can express our deepest fears and find solace in God's presence.

Trust in God's Faithfulness
Despite feelings of abandonment, David's psalm ultimately reflects trust in God's faithfulness. We are encouraged to hold onto this trust, knowing that God sees and cares for us even when others do not.

(4) I looked.--The Authorised Version follows the ancient versions in turning the Hebrew imperatives into historic tenses. But they are easily intelligible if taken rhetorically, and indeed the psalm loses in liveliness by missing them:

"On the path by which I must walk they have laid a trap for me;

Look to the right and see,

Not a friend is in sight.

Failed has refuge from me,

There is none who careth for my soul."

To the "right," because according to the regular Hebrew metaphor it was on the "right hand" that the protector would stand. (See Note Psalm 16:8, &c; and comp. Psalm 109:6; Psalm 109:31; Psalm 110:5; Psalm 121:5.) . . .

Verse 4. - I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me. I looked about, i.e., for human aid, but there was no one who would so much as know me. I was utterly deserted in my trouble. Refuge failed me. I had nowhere to flee unto - no safe and sure abiding-place. The "cave of Adullam" was but a miserable spot to hide in. No man cared for my soul; or, "looked after my soul" (comp. Jeremiah 30:17). Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Look
הַבֵּ֤יט (hab·bêṭ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5027: To scan, look intently at, to regard

to my right
יָמִ֨ין ׀ (yā·mîn)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

and see,
וּרְאֵה֮ (ū·rə·’êh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

no one
וְאֵֽין־ (wə·’ên-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

attends to me;
מַ֫כִּ֥יר (mak·kîr)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5234: To regard, recognize

there is no
אָבַ֣ד (’ā·ḇaḏ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish

refuge
מָנ֣וֹס (mā·nō·ws)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4498: Flight, place of escape or refuge

for me,
מִמֶּ֑נִּי (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

no one
אֵ֖ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

cares
דּוֹרֵ֣שׁ (dō·w·rêš)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

for my soul.
לְנַפְשִֽׁי׃ (lə·nap̄·šî)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

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Psalm 142:4 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 142:4 Look on my right and see (Psalm Ps Psa.)