Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 143:7

"Make haste to answer me, O Jehovah; my spirit faileth: Hide not thy face from me, Lest I become like them that go down into the pit." — Psalms 143:7 (ASV)

Hear me speedily, O Lord. Hasten to hear me; do not delay. Literally, “Hasten; answer me.” I am in imminent danger. Do not delay to come to my relief.

My spirit faileth — My strength is declining. I can hold out no longer. I am ready to give up and die.

Hide not thy face from me — Do not refuse or delay to look favorably upon me; to lift up the light of your countenance upon me.

Lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit — Margin, “For I am become like.” The idea is, unless you lift up the light of your countenance—unless you interpose and help me, I shall die. The “pit” here refers to the grave. See the notes at Psalms 28:1.