Psalms 13:2. How long shall I take counsel, &c.— Or, according to the original, revolve divers thoughts in my mind? as persons do who are reduced to the last extremity, and very anxious and uncertain what resolutions to take. read more
1. The forms of expression and figure here used are frequent (compare Psalms 9:12; Psalms 9:18; Psalms 10:11; Psalms 10:12). How long . . . for ever—Shall it be for ever? read more
2. The counsels or devices of his heart afford no relief. read more
1. Lament over prolonged suffering 13:1-2Rhetorical questions expressed David’s frustration and sought to move God to action (cf. Psalms 6:3). God had apparently forgotten His servant or was hiding from him (cf. Exodus 2:24-25). Having no word from the Lord, David had to listen to his own reasoning that he regarded as a poor substitute. In the meantime, his enemy continued to enjoy the upper hand."Psalms 13 is indeed a speech of disorientation. Something is terribly wrong in the life of the... read more
Psalms 13Like several of the preceding psalms, this one is also a prayer that the psalmist offered in the midst of affliction. David rested in confidence in the Lord even though he saw no immediate relief from his predicament, possibly illness. This individual lament psalm designed for community use begins with sobbing and ends with singing."The Psalm consists of . . . three groups of decreasing magnitude. A long deep sigh is followed, as from a relieved breast, by an already much more gentle... read more
The prominence which the Ps. gives to one enemy (Psalms 13:2) among the writer’s numerous adversaries (Psalms 13:4), suggests the circumstances of David’s persecution by Saul (1 Samuel 21-27). The Psalmist begins in agitation and despondency, and ends in tranquillity and faith.1. PBV ’How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord, for ever?’ A single question instead of the double one of AV. ’Forget for ever’ means ’continue to forget.’ The seemingly self-contradictory form of the question reflects the... read more
(1) How long? . . . for ever?—Comp. Psalms 74:10; Psalms 79:5; Psalms 89:46. The double question in the Authorised Version is unnecessary, though, as M. Renan (Les Langues Sémitiques, 2 § 4) explains, it shows how ill writing the poet has begun on one plan, and finished on another. (Comp. Psalms 9:3.) Translate, “How long wilt thou continue to forget me?” read more
(2) Take counsel.—Literally, put plans unto my soul. The plans (LXX., βουλὰς) formed in the mind turn to sorrows as they are frustrated. It is, however, so doubtful whether nephesh can stand for the mind, that it is better to render, how long shall I form plans against my soul (having) sorrow in my heart all the day? The next verse confirms the suspicion that suicide had been in the psalmist’s mind.Daily.—There is a doubt about this rendering; but so Symmachus, and many moderns, relying on... read more
Reasons for Praise Psalms 13:6 There is a reason for singing. The singing that has no reason is really not singing. Why do we sing? what moves the tongue to utterance? Is it because it is time to sing? then the song will be poor and formal. Is it because we are expected to sing? then will the very pith of the song go out of it. Do we sing because we cannot help it? then there may be strong, tender, heaven-seeking music. 'I will sing unto the Lord, because....' What a wonderful misconception... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 13:1
Psalms 13:0. David complaineth of delay in help: he prayeth for preventing grace; he boasteth of divine mercy. To the chief musician. A Psalm of David. Title.— לדוד מזמור למנצח lamnatseach mizmor ledavid. This psalm was written by David, when, as Theodoret thinks, he was greatly distressed by his rebellious son Absalom. In the first four verses he represents his danger, and prays for deliverance: in the last, he expresses his assurance of obtaining it. The Arabic title of this Psalm is... read more