[3] When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
Knowest — So as to direct me to it.
My path — What paths I should chuse whereby I might escape.
[4] I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
Right-hand — The place where the patron or assistant used to stand.
[5] I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Portion — Even in this life.
[7] Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
Prison — Set me at liberty.
Compass — Shall flock to me from all parts, to rejoice and bless God with me and for me.
Psalm 142 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 3
[3] When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
Knowest — So as to direct me to it.
My path — What paths I should chuse whereby I might escape.
Verse 4
[4] I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
Right-hand — The place where the patron or assistant used to stand.
Verse 5
[5] I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Portion — Even in this life.
Verse 7
[7] Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
Prison — Set me at liberty.
Compass — Shall flock to me from all parts, to rejoice and bless God with me and for me.