I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.I will sing — It is a common thing for David and other prophets to speak of future deliverances as if they were already come, that so they may signify both the infallible certainty of the thing, and their firm assurance thereof. read more
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The emphatic עד אנה ( ad-anah) “how long,” and the complaint of sufferings long continued, sound like an echo from the depth of the captivity, to which many have assigned this psalm. But, as it also fitly applies to the prolonged persecutions by Saul, and bears in the title the name of David as author, among whose psalms it is placed by the compiler of the Hebrew Psalter, it may be better to follow the drift of modern authority, and place it at the... read more
1. How long Literally, Until when? A most natural outgushing of the heart under long continued sorrow and unrelieved oppression. Psalms 94:3; Zechariah 1:12; Revelation 6:10. Its occurrence four times in Psalms 13:1-2, indicates the violence of the persecution, and the languishing strength of the sufferer. Forget me… for ever The “forgetting,” and “hiding the face,” was in appearance only, not in reality. The language is not that of doubt or complaint, but of simple suffering coming... read more
2. Take counsel in my soul Literally, “put counsel in my soul.” How long shall this life of peril and anxiety compel me daily to new plans and new cares for my safety? read more
3. Consider… me From dejection of mind David turns to prayer with a more softened and hopeful tone. “Consider;” that is, behold, look; give direct, immediate, attention. Lighten… eyes His sorrow had dimmed the lustre of his eyes, which the divine joy and salvation alone could restore. On the figure, see 1Sa 14:27 ; 1 Samuel 14:29. Sleep of death Literally, lest I shall sleep the death. This language is the strongest that the Hebrew supplies to denote that without help from God... read more
4. Lest mine enemy say Not only is his own life in danger, but a further reason for divine interference is the reproach that would otherwise fall upon the cause of God. The psalmist’s overthrow would be the triumph of unrighteousness. read more
5. But I have trusted The past tense indicates the habit of his life. Until now he has trusted, and he is suddenly strengthened in hope by the memory. read more
6. I will sing Faith rises to the point of victory, and joy ends the bitter outcry of Psalms 13:1-2. Luther: “While Satan rages and roars about him, he meanwhile sings quietly his little psalm.” read more
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Psalms 13:3
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;Lighten — Revive and comfort, and deliver me from the darkness of death, which is ready to come upon me. read more