Psalms 143:7

"Hurry to answer me, LORD. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit."

Key Reflection

Psalms 143:7 reflects the deep distress and urgency of a psalmist in need of divine intervention. In first-century Israel, the concept of descending into a pit was vivid—often referring to death or the underworld, symbolizing complete despair and abandonment by God. The psalmist is pleading with God not to abandon him in this dire state but to intervene swiftly, highlighting the immediacy and intensity of his suffering.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

“Hear me speedily, O Lord.” Hasten to hear me; do not delay. Literally, “Hasten; answer me.” I am in imminent danger. Do not delay to come to my relief. My spirit faileth -My strength is declining. I can hold out no longer. I am ready to give up and die. Hide not thy face from me -Do not refuse or delay to look favorably upon me; to lift up the light of thy countenance upon me. Lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit -Margin, “For I am become like.” The idea is, Unless thou shalt lift up the light of thy countenance - unless thou shalt interpose and help me, I shall die. The “pit” here refers to the grave.

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