Psalm 13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 13

This psalm is the deserted soul's case and cure. Whether it was penned upon any particular occasion does not appear, but in general, I. David sadly complains that God had long withdrawn from him and delayed to relieve him, Ps. 13:1, 2. II. He earnestly prays to God to consider his case and comfort him, Ps. 13:3, 4. III. He assures himself of an answer of peace, and therefore concludes the psalm with joy and triumph, because he concludes his deliverance to be as good as wrought, Ps. 13:5, 6. read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 13:1-6

David, in affliction, is here pouring out his soul before God; his address is short, but the method is very observable, and of use for direction and encouragement. I. His troubles extort complaints (Ps. 13:1, 2); and the afflicted have liberty to pour out their complaint before the Lord, Ps. 102:1 title. It is some ease to a troubled spirit to give vent to its griefs, especially to give vent to them at the throne of grace, where we are sure to find one who is afflicted in the afflictions of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 13

INTRODUCTION TO Psalm 13 To the chief Musician, a Psalm of David . According to Theodoret this psalm was written by David, not when he fled from Saul, but from Absalom; and gives this reason for it, what happened to him from Saul was before his sin, and therefore he could speak with great boldness; but what befell him from Absalom was after it, and therefore mourning and groans were mixed with his words. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 13:1

How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever ?.... When God does not immediately deliver his people from their enemies, or help them out of an affliction; when he does not discover his love, communicate his grace, apply the blessings and promises of his covenant as usual; and when he does not visit them in his usual manner, and so frequently as he has formerly done, they are ready to conclude he has forgotten them; and sometimes this continues long, and then they fear they are forgotten... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 13:2

How long shall I take counsel in my soul ,.... Or "put it" F19 אשית "ponam", Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Vatablus. ; to take counsel of good men and faithful friends, in matters of moment and difficulty, is safe and right; and it is best of all to take counsel of God, who is wonderful in it, and guides his people with it; but nothing is worse than for a man to take counsel of his own heart, or only to consult himself; for such counsel often casts a man down, and he is ashamed of it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 13:3

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God ,.... The psalmist amidst all his distresses rightly applies to God by prayer, claims his interest in him as his covenant God, which still continued notwithstanding all his darkness, desertions, and afflictions; and entreats him to "consider" his affliction and trouble, and deliver him out of it; to consider his enemies, how many and mighty they were; and his own weakness his frame, that he was but dust, and unable to stand against them: or to "look" ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 13:4

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him ,.... Which is an argument God takes notice of; and for which reason he does not give up his people into the hands of their enemies; see Deuteronomy 32:27 . The Chaldee paraphrase interprets this of the evil imagination or corruption of nature, and represents it as a person, as the Apostle Paul does in Romans 7:15 ; and which may be said to prevail, when it pushes on to sin, and hinders doing good, and carries captive; and it may be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 13:5

But I have trusted in thy mercy ,.... The faith, hope, and comfort of the psalmist grew and increased by prayer; from complaining he goes to praying, from praying to believing; he trusted not in himself, not in his own heart, nor in his own righteousness and merits, but in the mercy of God; and not in the bare absolute mercy of God, but in the grace and goodness of God, as the word F24 בחסדך "in bonitate tua", Vatablus; "in benignitate tua", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 13:6

I will sing unto the Lord ,.... In prayer faith is encouraged, through believing the heart is filled with joy; and this joy is expressed by the lips, in songs of praise to the Lord, ascribing the glory of salvation to him, and giving him thanks for every mercy and blessing of life; because he hath dealt bountifully with me ; both in a way of providence and grace, granting life and preserving it, and supporting with the comforts of it; blessing with spiritual blessings, and crowning with... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 13

This Psalm contains the sentiments of an afflicted soul that earnestly desires succor from the Lord. The psalmist complains of delay, Psalm 13:1-3 ; prays for light and comfort, because he finds himself on the brink of death, Psalm 13:3 ; dreads the revilings of his enemies, Psalm 13:4 ; anticipates a favorable answer, and promises thanksgiving, Psalm 13:5 , Psalm 13:6 . There is nothing particular in the inscription. The Psalm is supposed to have been written during the captivity,... read more

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