Chapter CXLI · Location 141 of 150
Chapter 141 · Open to readFrom Psalms · Douay–Rheims / Challoner (1749–1752)
What does Psalms Chapter 141 say, and which statements belong to its speaker?
Atlas of Saints · Chapter summary
The cave setting is supplied by the inscription. Failed flight and no recognition precede hope and portion. Stronger persecutors and prison delivery remain requested.
Chapter breakdown
Voce mea is the incipit and the heading names David’s extremity of danger. The inscription is of understanding for David, a prayer when in the cave, referencing 1 Kings 24. That reference does not supply En-gedi, Saul, dark subterranean surroundings or battle positions within this admitted span.
He cried and made supplication with voice, pours prayer and declares trouble before God. When spirit failed God knew paths; a snare was hidden in his walked way. He looked right and none would know him, flight failed and none regarded soul. A customary legal advocate location or missing fortress is not added.
He cried, naming God hope and portion in living land, asks attendance because low and delivery because persecutors stronger. He asks soul out of prison so he may praise, with just people waiting until God rewards. Prison is not resolved as a claustrophobic cave or imminent death; no achieved escape, joyful reunion or audience-encouragement motive is invented.
The story inside
Opening: The cave setting is supplied by the inscription. Development: Failed flight and no recognition precede hope and portion. Conclusion: Stronger persecutors and prison delivery remain requested.
Lessons worth keeping
- 1The cave setting is supplied by the inscription.
- 2Failed flight and no recognition precede hope and portion.
- 3Stronger persecutors and prison delivery remain requested.
Test your recall
Which images and requests does the speaker use, and what does the chapter leave unresolved?
Source edition and notes
Douay–Rheims, revised by Richard Challoner (1749–1752). Project Gutenberg no. 1581. Locators refer to lines in the admitted pg1581.txt edition. Source notes may include Challoner commentary.
Lines 66789–66799
141:1. Of understanding for David, A prayer when he was in the cave. [1 Kings 24.] 141:2. I cried to the Lord with my voice: with my voice I made supplication to the Lord. 141:3. In his sight I pour out my prayer, and before him I declare my trouble: 141:4. When my spirit failed me, then thou knewest my paths. In this way wherein I walked, they have hidden a snare for me.
Lines 66801–66806
141:5. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, and there was no one that would know me. Flight hath failed me: and there is no one that hath regard to my soul. 141:6. I cried to thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living.
Lines 66808–66812
141:7. Attend to my supplication: for I am brought very low. Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. 141:8. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the just wait for me, until thou reward me.