This psalm consists properly of three parts: I. A complaint as of one who was forsaken by God; who was persecuted, and who saw no means of deliverance; who took counsel with his own heart how he might be delivered, but who found no way in which it could be done, Psalms 13:1. II. An earnest prayer... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW LONG WILT THOU FORGET ME, O LORD? - literally, “until when.” The psalmist breaks out into this cry “in the midst” of his troubles. He had apparently borne them as long as he could. It seemed as if they would never come to an end. We may presume that he had been patient and uncomplaining; that he... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW LONG - This refers to the third aspect of the case, or the third phase of the trouble, that is, that he was perplexed and embarrassed, having a deep and heavy sorrow in his heart, and he asks how long this was to continue. “Shall I take counsel in my soul.” This refers to the methods which he en... [ Continue Reading ]
CONSIDER AND HEAR ME - literally, “Look, hear me.” God had seemed to avert his face as if he would not even look upon him Psalms 13:1; and the psalmist now prays that he “would” look upon him - that he would regard his wants - that he would attend to his cry. So we pray to one who turns away from us... [ Continue Reading ]
LEST MINE ENEMY SAY, I HAVE PREVAILED AGAINST HIM - I have overpowered him; I have conquered him. That is, to triumph over him as having obtained a complete victory. AND THOSE THAT TROUBLE ME - Hebrew, “My adversaries.” The reference here is the same as in the former member of the verse. It is to t... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT I HAVE TRUSTED IN THY MERCY - In thy favor; thy friendship; thy promises. His original confidence had been in God only, and not in himself. That confidence he still maintained; and now, as the result of that, he begins to exult in the confidence that he would be safe. The idea is, “I have truste... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL SING UNTO THE LORD, BECAUSE HE HATH DEALT BOUNTIFULLY WITH ME - The word which is here rendered “dealt bountifully” - גמל _gâmal_ - means properly “to deal” with anyone; to “treat” anyone well or ill; and then, to requite, or recompense. When used absolutely, as it is here, it is commonly em... [ Continue Reading ]