Old Testament
Psalms 13
Overview
Psalm 13 is a brief but intense individual lament that moves from anguished questioning to settled trust in just six verses. Four times David cries "How long?" — feeling forgotten by God, sorrowful in soul, and threatened by an exalting enemy. Yet the psalm pivots decisively: he chooses to trust in God's steadfast love, and ends rejoicing and singing because the LORD has dealt bountifully with him.
1To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
3Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
4Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
5But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.