Psalms 143 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
143:1
1. in thy faithfulness ... and ... righteousness--or, God's regard to the claims which He has permitted His people to make in His covenant.
143:2
2. enter ... judgment--deal not in strict justice. shall no ... justified--or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Ro 3:20).
143:3–4
3-4. The exciting reason for his prayer--his afflictions--led to confession as just made: he now makes the complaint. as those that have been long dead--deprived of life's comforts (compare Psa 40:15; 88:3-6).
143:5–6
5-6. The distress is aggravated by the contrast of former comfort (Psa 22:3-5), for whose return he longs. a thirsty land--which needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Psa 28:1; 89:17).
143:7
7. spirit faileth--is exhausted.
143:8
8. (Compare Psa 25:1-4; 59:16). the way ... walk--that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Psa 142:3-6).
143:9
9. (Compare Psa 31:15-20).
143:10
10. (Compare Psa 5:8; 27:11). land of uprightness--literally, "an even land" (Psa 26:12).
143:11
11. (Compare Psa 23:3; 119:156).
143:12
12. God's mercy to His people is often wrath to His and their enemies (compare Psa 31:17). thy servant--as chosen to be such, entitled to divine regard.