Psalms 13

From the darkness of despair (Psalms 13:1-2) the Psalmist wins his way through prayer (Psalms 13:3-4) to a joyous hope of ultimate deliverance (Psalms 13:5-6). His power of endurance is well-nigh spent. Jehovah seems to have forgotten or forsaken him. His own resources are exhausted. If Jehovah does not come to his help, he must succumb, and his enemies will triumph. But past reliance on Jehovah has not been vain; and he ends with a full assurance that he will live to praise Him for renewed deliverance. Such may have been David’s feelings when he had been for some time a hunted fugitive (1 Samuel 27:1). The language is general, but one foe in particular stands out (Psalms 13:2; Psalms 13:4) above the rest of his ‘adversaries’ as specially powerful and relentless (1 Samuel 18:29; 1 Samuel 24:4; 1 Samuel 26:8). If the Psalm is David’s, it belongs to a somewhat later time than Psalms 7.

Psalms 13:1-2

1, 2. A reproachful expostulation in the hour of despair.

Psalms 13:2

2. Lit. How long shall I set counsels in my soul? devising one plan after another in vain. daily] The Heb. word means by day in contrast to by night (Psalms 22:2). We must either supply and by night (it is added in some MSS. of the LXX), or with R.V. render all the day, which however is hardly justified by usage. But an easy emendation gives the sense daily, which seems to be required by the context. be exalted] Be in authority and have the upper hand. Cp. Psalms 12:8.

Psalms 13:3-4

3, 4. A prayer, in calmer tone.

Psalms 13:4

4. and those &c.] R.V., Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved. Cp. Psalms 38:16. And by their triumph, as the emphatic contrast of the following verse implies, the honour of God Whom he trusts will suffer.

Psalms 13:5-6

5, 6. The joy of deliverance.