142 A song[fn] and prayer of David when he was hiding in a cave.

142 I cry out to Yahweh with my voice.

≈With my voice I plead to Yahweh for his favour.

2 I pour out my sorrows to him.

≈I declare my troubles in front of him.

3 When my spirit is weak within me, you yourself know my path.

They’ve hidden a trap for me along the path that I walk.

4 I look around and see that no one takes any notice of me.

There’s no safe place for me to escape to

and there’s no one who cares for my life.

5 I called out to you for help, Yahweh.

I said that you’re my protection—

my portion in the land of the living.

6 Listen to my cries for help because I’ve been driven into a bad situation.

≈Rescue me from my pursuers because they’re stronger than I am.

7 Bring my life out of prison in order to praise your name.

The godly people will gather around me because you’ve been good to me.