Psalm 143 – Righteousness
In Psalm 143 – righteousness, David calls upon God’s faithfulness and righteousness. What does it mean to say that God is righteous?
Psalm 143
Psalm 143, another psalm of David, is included in the seven penitential psalms though it is not as clearly linked to them as the others. David, during another time of crisis and affliction, cries out to our righteous God about the unrighteousness of people.
“David knew something of the character and nature of God, and this shaped his prayer life. He could never ask God to be unfaithful or unrighteous. Yet he could ask God to act according to His character, and David did boldly make his request on that basis.” Psalm 143 Commentary: Hope for the Persecuted Soul
“Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.” (1-2)
He humbly acknowledges that no one, including him, is righteous before God.
“David understood that if God were to deal with him only on the basis of His righteousness, it could mean judgment and ruin for David. So he asked God to deal with him on the basis of mercy (do not enter into judgment) and understood that he appealed to God because the LORD is righteous, not because David was righteous.” Psalm 143 Commentary: Hope for the Persecuted Soul
In other words, when we stand before our God awaiting judgment, better to fall upon God’s mercy than to ask for justice.
As Billy Graham said, “A man said some time ago, “When I get to the judgement of God, all that I will ask for is justice.” My beloved friend, if you get justice, then you will go to hell. You don’t want justice. What you want is mercy.” Wit & Wisdom: Grace of God – The Billy Graham Library Blog
David’s Afflictions
After throwing himself before God in prayer, David lists all of his problems.
“The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.” (3-4)
David is crushed by his enemy. Then he reflects on the past and all that God has done.
“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.” (5-6)
He calls upon God to answer his plea.
“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (7-10)
He entrusts his life to God and hides himself in God. He recognizes his need to be righteous himself through walking in God’s ways and following God’s will.
Preserve His Life
David ends by asking God to preserve his life, in some translations to revive him – a renewal of life and vitality.
“David appealed to God on the basis of His name, His righteousness, and His mercy – yet also on the basis of his relationship with God as His servant. David understood that the servant has obligations to the Master; yet, the Master also has obligations to the servant.” Psalm 143 Commentary: Hope for the Persecuted Soul
“For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.” (11-12)
First, he asks that God deal with him in righteousness, then his enemies.
“David asked God to deal with his enemies; but before that, he asked God to deal with him. He knew that his own low or uninspired or undirected walk with God was a greater danger than any enemy.” Psalm 143 Commentary: Hope for the Persecuted Soul
Righteousness in the Bible
To be righteous, according to Webster, is to be morally right or justifiable; acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin. Righteousness may sometimes imply a sense of superiority and judgment of others. Not so in the Bible.
In the Bible righteousness has a relational dimension. It includes: right relationship with God, integrity in conduct, justice toward others. faithfulness to covenant commitments, and alignment with God’s character. What Is Righteousness in the Bible? Meaning, Context, and Key Passages – Encouraging Bible Verses
“This is why the Bible often connects righteousness with justice, mercy, and humility rather than private rule-keeping alone.” What Is Righteousness in the Bible? Meaning, Context, and Key Passages – Encouraging Bible Verses
The Bible describes God as righteous. “Righteousness is intrinsic to God’s nature. The Bible frequently describes God as righteous, emphasizing His justice and faithfulness. In Psalm 11:7, it is written, “For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face.” God’s righteousness is demonstrated in His laws, judgments, and actions, which are always in accordance with His holy nature.” Topical Bible: Righteousness
Human righteousness is based on relationship with God. “In the Bible, righteousness refers to being in the right with God and living in a way that reflects his standards.” What Is Righteousness in the Bible? Meaning, Context, and Key Passages – Encouraging Bible Verses
Psalm 143 – Righteousness
In Psalm 143 – righteousness, David recognizes God as righteous and faithful. David recognizes his failings before God and prays that God in his righteousness will save him from his enemies and restore his spirit. He also recognized his need to be righteous through following God’s will.
David knew God’s nature and so at the end he rested in God’s righteousness. How might you rest in God’s righteousness?
“Rest in the assurance that God’s righteousness will prevail. He is faithful to His promises and will uphold you with His righteous right hand.” Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 143
(For another take on this psalm see, Psalm 143: Knowing when to Stop Talking – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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