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Psalm 142

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Psalm 142

Psalm 142 is the 142nd psalm from the Book of Psalms in the Masoretic and modern numbering, corresponding to psalm 141 in the Vulgata Clementina.

Contents

The text is presented as a prayer by David at the time he was hiding in the cave (part of the David and Jonathan narrative in the Books of Samuel). It is, consequently, used as a prayer in times of distress.

Liturgical use

In Catholic liturgy, this psalm (also known by its Latin incipit Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi) has been recited at Vespers since the Middle Ages. According to the Rule of St. Benedict (530), this psalm traditionally appeared on Friday night. In the current Liturgy of the Hours, this psalm is recited on Saturday Vespers in the first week of the cycle of four weeks. This psalm is known to have been recited by Saint Francis of Assisi on his deathbed.

Musical settings

Polyphonic settings of the psalm have been composed by Andreas Hakenberger, Gracián Babán, and Jules Van Nuffel, among others.

References

Psalm 142 Wikipedia