Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The righteous won't just surround the psalmist in happy celebration, but will "wait" for him, seeing his deliverance as a vindication of God's faithfulness. This anticipation highlights that the righteous understand their own well-being is tied to God's justice and provision for His chosen ones.
Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is in deep distress, hiding from his enemies, feeling trapped and overwhelmed, likening his situation to being in prison. He cries out to God, expressing his plea for deliverance so that he can publicly give thanks. He anticipates that his rescue will bring righteous people to his side, celebrating God's goodness to him.
The psalmist cries out from 'prison,' but was he literally locked away? Discover how this ancient word paints a picture of deep personal struggle.
When David cries, "Bring me out of prison," he's not necessarily talking about a physical jail cell. The commentators point out that 'prison' here is a powerful metaphor for extreme distress, being trapped by enemies, or feeling utterly overwhelmed. Think of it like being stuck in a cave with your enemies blocking the exit, or feeling like your whole life is confined by circumstances you can't escape. This language shows us that the Bible understands the feeling of being trapped and helpless, and it gives us words to describe those deep, dark moments.
David isn't just asking for freedom; he has a specific, vital reason. What does his request reveal about the ultimate goal of God's saving acts?
David's cry, 'that I may give thanks to your name!', is central. His deliverance isn't merely about personal comfort or escape; it's about publicly honoring God. The commentary highlights that the ultimate aim is for God's name to be praised. When God acts to save, especially in ways that seem miraculous, it magnifies His character and faithfulness for all to see. For David, being freed meant he could once again stand as a testament to God's goodness and power, allowing others to join in praising Him.
The 'righteous' will surround David. Who are they, and what does their presence signify about God's ultimate plan for him?
The phrase 'the righteous will surround me' carries rich meaning. It suggests that upon his deliverance, David anticipates being joined by those who also follow God. Some scholars suggest the Hebrew word can imply 'crowning' or 'flocking,' indicating a community that will celebrate and support him. This isn't just about David being rescued; it's about his rescue being a catalyst for communal rejoicing and a visible sign of God's abundant favor. The righteous gather around because they recognize God's hand at work, celebrating the bounty God has bestowed upon His faithful servant.
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Understand the original words
misgar · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical or literal place of confinement, restriction, or distress that limits movement and freedom; often used to describe deep spiritual or emotional oppression.
shemeka · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of God (Yahweh), representing His presence, character, authority, and reputation; to praise or give thanks to the 'name' is to honor God Himself.
tsaddiqim · Hebrew Noun
Those who are morally upright, just, and in right standing before God, often characterized by their faithfulness to His law and their trust in His mercy.
tigmol · Hebrew Verb
To treat someone with kindness, generosity, or favor; in a theological sense, it often refers to God’s unmerited grace and abundant provision in response to the prayers of the faithful.
The imagery of being 'in prison' here isn't literal confinement, but a powerful metaphor for David's desperate situation as a fugitive, surrounded by enemies and hiding in caves while being hunted by King Saul. The psalm expresses his deep trust that God would deliver him, leading to public praise and recognition among the faithful.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
Saul persecutes David
As a young man, David was hunted by King Saul, who saw him as a threat to his throne. David lived as a fugitive, often hiding in caves and wilderness areas, relying on God for deliverance.
c. 1015 BC
David lives in the wilderness of Ziph
David and his men took refuge in the wilderness of Ziph, a desolate region near the Dead Sea. This period involved extreme hardship and constant danger from Saul's pursuit.
c. 1010 BC
David spares Saul's life
On at least two occasions, David had opportunities to kill Saul but refused, showing respect for God's anointed king. These events highlight David's difficult moral and political position.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's death
King Saul died in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, ending his pursuit of David and allowing David's eventual rise to kingship.
c. 1010 BC
David becomes King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah, marking the beginning of his reign and a period of consolidation.
This passage speaks of God's delight in His servant's prosperity and the acclamation of the righteous, directly echoing the sentiment in Psalm 142:7 that 'the righteous will surround me' in celebration of God's goodness.
Psalms 107:14Here, God is described as bringing prisoners out of darkness and destruction, paralleling the prayer in Psalm 142:7 to be brought out of 'prison' so that His name may be praised.
Isaiah 61:1This prophecy, later applied to Jesus, speaks of liberty for the captives and proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor, aligning with the desire for deliverance expressed in Psalm 142:7 so that praise can be offered.
Luke 15:7Jesus highlights that 'there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance,' reflecting the communal joy of the righteous in response to God's deliverance and bounty, as hoped for in Psalm 142:7.
Romans 8:37This verse emphasizes that in Christ, believers are more than conquerors, suggesting a future state of ultimate victory and abundant blessing where they will be surrounded by God's goodness, resonating with the psalmist's hopeful conclusion.
ellicottPsalms 142:7: "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
(7) Out of prison. —This expression, which must certainly be figurative of distress (comp. Psalm 143:11 ), probably led to the inscription. Compass me about.—The Hebrew word here employed is used in a hostile sense in Psalm 22:12; Judges 20:43; Habakkuk 1:4. It is better, therefore, to follow the LXX. and render: “In my case the righteous are wa…
pulpitPsalms 142:7: "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
Verse 7. - Bring my soul out of prison. The word "prison" is used symbolically, as a metaphor for trouble and distress (comp. Psalm 88:8; Psalm 107:10-14). That I may praise thy Name; or, "that men may praise thy Name." David's deliverance from his enemies would cause the godly generally to "praise the Lord." The righteous shall compass me about…
The righteous won't just surround the psalmist in happy celebration, but will "wait" for him, seeing his deliverance as a vindication of God's faithfulness. This anticipation highlights that the righteous understand their own well-being is tied to God's justice and provision for His chosen ones.
David is in deep distress, hiding from his enemies, feeling trapped and overwhelmed, likening his situation to being in prison. He cries out to God, expressing his plea for deliverance so that he can publicly give thanks. He anticipates that his rescue will bring righteous people to his side, celebrating God's goodness to him.
David is in deep distress, hiding from his enemies, feeling trapped and overwhelmed, likening his situation to being in prison. He cries out to God, expressing his plea for deliverance so that he can publicly give thanks. He anticipates that his rescue will bring righteous people to his side, celebrating God's goodness to him.
"Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me." — The righteous won't just surround the psalmist in happy celebration, but will "wait" for him, seeing his deliverance as a vindication of God's faithfulness. This anticipation highlights that the righ…
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Last reviewed October 2026