Easter · The Day of Pentecost
Psalm 143
My Soul Thirsts for You
May 24, 2026
Overview & Insights
“My soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” (Psalm 143:6)
This individual prayer psalm is highly formulaic, that is, it consists of stock phrases repeated elsewhere in the Psalms (v. 3 // 7:5; Lam. 3:6; v. 4 // 77:3; 142:3; vv. 5–6 // 77:2, 5, 12; v. 6 // 63:1; v. 7 // 69:17; 88:4, 14; 102:2; v. 8 // 90:14; in general cf. Pss. 25; 86; further parallels listed in Culley, Oral Formulaic Language , p. 107). Yet it reflects an intimacy with God that is strikingly singular among the psalms.
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Commentary
Psalm 143 - Enduring Word Bible Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's exposition of this penitential prayer for mercy and the plea to be taught God's will.
Psalm 143:1 Commentaries - Bible Hub BibleHub
A classic aggregator of historic commentators on David's cry for the Spirit to lead him on level ground.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is Psalm 143?
A prayer of one pursued and faint of spirit, thirsting for God like dry ground and asking to be taught the way he should go, for he lifts up his soul to the Lord.
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