Psalm 143 is the last of the so called “Penitential” Psalms.  This song joins Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, & 130 in a set identified through church history by themes of soul searching repentance, unrestrained confession, and exclusive hope in the Lord of the Covenant. However, while it is one thing to have the self awareness and honesty to rightly understand your troubled situation…it’s quite another to be rescued from the consequences of that condition.  David understands that deliverance is possible because of WHO God is… therefore he grounds his request & appeal on the faithfulness (1), righteousness (1,2,11), & steadfast love (8,12) of His Lord & Master. The occasion for this song certainly parallels Psalm 142.  Perhaps both songs were written from the cave in Adullam.