6 Hearken unto my cry, for I am very faint; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name. The righteous will gather around me when You show me good.

Psalm 142

The Psalm of David, [when he was persecuted by his son Absalom].

1 Lord! hear my prayer, hearken unto my prayer according to thy truth; hear me in Thy righteousness

2 and enter not into judgment with thy servant, for no one living shall be justified in thy sight.

3 The enemy pursues my soul, he has trampled my life into the ground, he has forced me to dwell in darkness, as those who have died long ago,

4 And my spirit is faint within me, my heart is dumb within me.

5 I remember the days of old, I meditate on all thy works, I consider the works of thy hands.

6 I stretch out my hands unto thee; my soul is to Thee, as a thirsty earth.

7 Hear me quickly, O Lord: my spirit is faint; hide not thy face from me, lest I be likened to those who descend into the grave.

8 Grant me to hear thy mercy early, for I trust in thee. Show me, O Lord, the way in which I shall go, for to Thee I lift up my soul.

9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; to Thee I take refuge.

10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; May Thy good spirit lead me to the land of righteousness.

11 For thy name's sake, O Lord, revive me; for Thy righteousness' sake, lead my soul out of trouble.

12 And according to thy mercy destroy my enemies, and destroy all that oppress my soul, for I am thy servant.

Psalm 143

David. [Against Goliath.]

1 Blessed be the Lord, my stronghold, who teaches my hands to battle, and my fingers to battle,

2 My mercy and my shield, my refuge and my Deliverer, my shield, and I trust in him. He subdues my people to me.

3 Lord! What is man, that Thou knowest of him, and the son of man, that Thou wilt pay attention to him?