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    Psalms 142 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 142 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 142

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    Psalms 142 Summary

    Psalm 142 was written when David was in a cave, likely hiding from Saul. He cries out that no one cares for his life—no refuge remains and no one is concerned for him.

    Yet David turns to God as his portion in the land of the living and asks for deliverance so that the righteous may gather around him in celebration. It is the prayer of someone utterly alone yet clinging to God.

    Key Themes

    LonelinessGod as sole refugeCrying out in desperationHope for community

    Key Verses in Psalms 142

    "I cry to you, LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'"

    — Psalms 142:5

    When every human refuge fails, God remains as the only and sufficient portion.

    "Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me."

    — Psalms 142:4

    Raw honesty about feeling completely abandoned by every human support.

    Life Application

    If you feel utterly alone with no one who cares, know that God is your refuge. He is your portion—and He is enough.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does 'my portion' mean?

    In ancient Israel, a 'portion' was one's inheritance or allotted share. Calling God 'my portion' means He is everything the psalmist needs—his inheritance and treasure.

    Psalm 142 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Isolated, reaching for God

    Best read for: Loneliness, isolation, feeling trapped

    Overview of Psalm 142: A Prayer from the Cave

    Psalm 142 is David's prayer from the cave — likely when hiding from Saul. He pours out his complaint before God, declaring that his spirit is overwhelmed and no one cares for his soul. He has no refuge and no one to help. He cries to God: 'Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.' He asks for deliverance so the righteous may gather around him in thanksgiving.

    Key Themes

    Loneliness
    Overwhelmed
    God as Refuge
    Cry for Help

    Key Verses to Remember

    “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path.”
    — Psalm 142:3 (KJV)
    “I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”
    — Psalm 142:5 (KJV)

    Reflection

    Sometimes you feel utterly alone — no one knows, no one cares. David was in a literal cave with no one. But he had God. And God was enough. Your darkest, loneliest moment is still within God's reach.

    Historical Context

    Written in a cave—David's prayer when hiding from Saul. '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.' This is the prayer of ultimate isolation, where only God remains.

    How to Apply Psalm 142 Today

    When every human support system has failed and you feel utterly alone, this psalm meets you there. 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Even when no one cares for your soul, God does. Speak to Him from your cave—He hears prayers echoing off stone walls.

    A Prayer from Psalm 142

    I cry out to the Lord with my voice. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. I cried out to You, O Lord: 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low. Amen.

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