Bible Commentaries
Psalms 13

Verses 1-6

Psalms 13

HOW LONG, O LORD?

Verses 1-6:

The Believer’s Cry

Verses 1, 2 begin this brief Psalm with four cries of "how long?" This seems to indicate a prolonged trial in David’s life, much as those in the life of Joseph, Israel in Egypt, Job in broken health, and Paul with a thorn in his flesh. Things looked dark to David, as to each of these mentioned above. It seemed that his trials of testing would never end.

Thus he inquires longingly:

1) "How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever?

2) "How long will you hide your face from me?"

3) "How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having (being gripped with) sorrow in my heart daily?

4) "How long shall mine enemy be exalted above me?"

These were four forlorn questions, from David’s heavy heart. Hopeless perplexity and confusion weighed down his soul. The pain of his persecution and desertion by once trusted friends was now deepened by the fact that God’s face seemed turned against him. In this state of despair he cried for God as his counselor, his only source of true help, Isaiah 9; Isaiah 6; Deuteronomy 31:17; Job 13:21. He lamented, "how long shall mine enemy be exalted above me?" Luke 18:14 answers.

Verse 3 relates that David’s complaint was followed by a prayer of faith or trust. He earnestly called upon God to lighten his eyes, lest he should sleep the sleep of physical death from his grief and burden, Jeremiah 51:39; Jeremiah 51:57. He desired that the Lord restore to him vital power of life that had faded, was almost gone, as also expressed 1 Samuel 14:27; 1 Samuel 14:29; Ezra 9:8; Psalms 18:28; Luke 2:32; Revelation 21:23; Psalms 76:5-6; Ephesians 5:14.

Verse 4 adds that if God does not sustain him his enemy will boast that they have prevailed against him and they would rejoice when he was dead, or removed from his steadfast walk with God, Luke 22:31; Deuteronomy 32:27.

Verses 5, 6 affirm that David had trusted in Divine mercy and his heart would rejoice exceedingly in God’s salvation, liberation of him from his present dangers; In faith he added that he would sing to the Lord for His bountiful help from Him, Psalms 119:17; Psalms 142:7; Zechariah 9:12; Isaiah 40:2.