Psalms 13

American Standard Version (1901) (ASV) · English

1 How long, O Jehovah? wilt thou forget me for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O Jehovah my God: Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved. 5 But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6 I will sing unto Jehovah, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 13:1

PSALM 13

Psa 13:1-6. On title, see Introduction. The Psalmist, mourning God's absence and the triumph of his enemies, prays for relief before he is totally destroyed, and is encouraged to hope his trust will not be in vain.

1. The forms of expression and figure here used are frequent (compare Psa 9:12, 18; 10:11, 12).

How long ... for ever--Shall it be for ever?

Psalms 13:2

2. The counsels or devices of his heart afford no relief.

Psalms 13:4

4. rejoice--literally, "shout as in triumph."

I am moved--cast down from a firm position (Psa 10:6).

Psalms 13:5-6

5-6. Trust is followed by rejoicing in the deliverance which God effects, and, instead of his enemy, he can lift the song of triumph.

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