Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

PSALMS 142:1KJV
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Psalms 142:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 142:1 mean?

Psalms 142:1 describes David openly crying out to the LORD with his voice, making a heartfelt plea for help while he was in a cave. The verse shows David turning to God in a moment of distress, expressing his need and dependence through spoken prayer.

David is the speaker in this psalm, and the heading notes he is in a cave—likely hiding from danger, possibly from King Saul. The verse sets the tone for the whole psalm, showing David’s honest and vocal approach to God, not just a silent or private thought. This moment is both personal and desperate, highlighting the real fear and trust David experiences.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 142:1

  • מַשְׂכִּיל (maschil): This word signals that the psalm is meant to instruct or give insight, suggesting the prayer is not only personal but also teaches something about seeking God in trouble.
  • תְּפִלָּה (tefillah): The word for "prayer" here emphasizes a formal, intentional act of reaching out to God, not just a passing thought or feeling.
  • זָעַק (za'aq): Translated as "cried," this word often means to call out loudly in distress, showing that David’s prayer is urgent and vocal, not quiet or reserved.
  • קוֹל (qol): The word for "voice" is repeated, underlining that David is not just thinking or feeling inwardly—he is actually speaking out loud to God, making his need known.

Why Psalms 142:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that prayer can be vocal and emotional, not just silent or formal; David’s example shows it is acceptable to cry out loudly to God in need.
  • The setting in a cave connects this prayer to a real moment of fear and danger, making the psalm relatable for anyone feeling trapped or desperate.
  • The use of "maschil" signals that this psalm is meant to teach others how to approach God honestly in times of trouble, not just record David’s personal experience.

Where else these words appear

“Maschil” Hebrew H4905 · used in 13 verses

  • Psalms 32:1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
  • Psalms 52:1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
  • Psalms 74:1 Maschil of Asaph. O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?

“cave” Hebrew H4631 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
  • Joshua 10:16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
  • 1 Samuel 24:10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.

“Prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

“supplication” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 102:14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.