I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
When Saul cornered David in that cave, the man might have panicked or done something rash, as desperate people do. Instead this Psalm shows David kept his composure, held fast to God in assured confidence, and gave himself to prayer rather than taking any step God had not warranted. That is the mark of true faith.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 142:1-7
I poured out my complaint before him. His inward meditation filled his soul: the bitter water rose up to the brim; what was to be done? He must pour out the wormwood and the gall, he could not keep it in; he lets it run away as best it can, that so his heart may be emptied of the fermenting mixture.
Whether it was in the cave of Adullam, or that of Engedi, that David prayed this prayer, is not material; it is plain that he was in distress. It was a great disgrace to so great a soldier, so great a courtier, to be put to such shifts for his own safety, and a great terror to be so hotly pursued and every moment in...
Commenting on Psalm 142:1-3