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.
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
David looked earnestly to his right hand where a defender should stand, but saw nothing. His friends had forgotten him entirely; their ignorance was willful. Refuge itself had fled from him. No soul cared whether he lived or died. Cast out as an outcast, he dwelt in no man's land, abandoned by all.
AI summary
When David was court favorite, he had many friends; when he became an outlaw, none would shelter him or speak for him. Winter came and his swallow-friends were gone. Yet in this very desertion he foreshadows Christ, who was forsaken of all men and trod the wine-press alone, with none to help or uphold Him.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 142:4-7