Psalms – Chapter 142

Old Testament • 12 Verses

Chapter Summary

"A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy…" — so begins Psalms 142. The chapter centers on Absalom and David. Across its 12 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy justice.

2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight no man living shall be justified.

3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath brought down my life to the earth. He hath made me to dwell in darkness as those that have been dead of old:

4And my spirit is in anguish within me: my heart within me is troubled.

5I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all thy works: I meditated upon the works of thy hands.

6I stretched forth my hands to thee: my soul is as earth without water unto thee.

7Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not away thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

8Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning; for in thee have I hoped. Make the way known to me, wherein I should walk: for I have lifted up my soul to thee.

9Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, to thee have I fled:

10Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God. Thy good spirit shall lead me into the right land:

11for thy name's sake, O Lord, thou wilt quicken me in thy justice. Thou wilt bring my soul out of trouble:

12And in thy mercy thou wilt destroy my enemies. And thou wilt cut off all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

Important Verses in Psalms 142

“A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy justice.”

Psalms 142:1

“And my spirit is in anguish within me: my heart within me is troubled.”

Psalms 142:4

“Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning; for in thee have I hoped. Make the way known to me, wherein I should walk: for I have lifted up my soul to thee.”

Psalms 142:8

“And in thy mercy thou wilt destroy my enemies. And thou wilt cut off all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant. ”

Psalms 142:12

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 142 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Absalom and David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth:…" It concludes: "And in thy mercy thou wilt destroy my enemies. And thou wilt cut off all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy…" The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy justice." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1502). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓The Holy Spirit is the giver of life who animates creation, the prophets, and the Church.

People in This Chapter

Absalom1 mentionDavid1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 142 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 142. At the moral level, evangelization and missionary discipleship challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 385).

As you continue through Psalms, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 142 about?

Psalms 142 contains 12 verses. It opens with "A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth:…" and closes with "And in thy mercy thou wilt destroy my enemies. And thou wilt cut off all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 142?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A psalm of David, when his son Absalom pursued him. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy justice." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 142?

This chapter mentions Absalom, David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 3Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 1Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Chronicles 11Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering

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