What is the meaning of Psalm 143:2?

Do not bring Your servant into judgment

“Do not bring Your servant into judgment” (Psalm 143:2) is David’s plea for mercy.

• David speaks as “Your servant,” acknowledging God’s rightful authority over him (Psalm 86:2).

• He asks not to be hauled into court, knowing that divine judgment is flawless and exhaustive (Psalm 130:3).

• This appeal echoes earlier cries, such as, “Remember not the sins of my youth” (Psalm 25:7), showing that even believers depend on grace rather than personal merit.

• The line anticipates the New Testament assurance that those in Christ escape condemnation (John 5:24; Romans 8:1), yet it does so from the vantage point of Old Covenant faith, looking forward to ultimate redemption (Isaiah 53:5-6).

• The posture is humble; David does not bargain or minimize sin. He simply turns to the Lord who is “abounding in faithful love” (Exodus 34:6-7), trusting mercy over retribution.

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for no one alive is righteous before You

“for no one alive is righteous before You” (Psalm 143:2) supplies the reason for David’s request.

• Universality of sin: “no one alive” echoes “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:10-12).

• God’s standard: “before You” stresses that righteousness is measured by God’s holiness, not human comparison (Isaiah 6:5; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

• Self-awareness: David includes himself among the unrighteous (1 Kings 8:46). His royal status offers no exemption.

• Gospel trajectory: By admitting universal guilt, the psalm prepares hearts for the need of a Mediator (Galatians 3:22). Christ fulfills this gap, becoming “our righteousness” (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

• Practical takeaway: Any approach to God begins with confession and dependence, never self-justification (Luke 18:13-14).

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summary

David’s two-part plea—“Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You”—teaches that even the most devoted believer relies entirely on God’s mercy. Recognizing universal sinfulness drives the humble soul away from self-defense and toward the Redeemer who alone provides righteousness.