Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 13:2
2. The counsels or devices of his heart afford no relief. read more
Psalm 13
Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown
Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 13:3
3. lighten mine eyes—dim with weakness, denoting approaching death (compare 1 Samuel 14:27-29; Psalms 6:7; Psalms 38:10). read more
Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 13:4
4. rejoice—literally, "shout as in triumph." I am moved—cast down from a firm position (Psalms 10:6). read more
Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 13:5
5, 6. Trust is followed by rejoicing in the deliverance which God effects, and, instead of his enemy, he can lift the song of triumph. read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 13:1-2
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
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 13:1-6
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
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 13:3-4
2. Petition for an answer 13:3-4David needed information and wisdom in view of his need. If he did not receive them from the Lord soon, he despaired of life. "Lightening the eyes" refers to refreshing one’s vital powers (cf. 1 Samuel 14:27; 1 Samuel 14:29; Ezra 9:8). If he died, his enemy, who was also the Lord’s enemy, since David was God’s representative, would conclude he had overcome him and would rejoice. The "sleep of death" may be a metaphor for deep depression and suffering. [Note:... read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 13:5-6
3. Trust in eventual deliverance 13:5-6In spite of God’s lack of response, David continued to trust in the Lord’s loyal love. He was confident that Yahweh would eventually deliver him and that he would rejoice in the Lord and sing praises to Him. The basis of this confidence was God’s bountiful goodness to him in the past. The goodness of God is a recurring theme in the psalms."The actual song of praise would burst forth once deliverance had been accomplished, but the knowledge that deliverance... read more
John Dummelow
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 13:1-6
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
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 13:1
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