Psalm 13

Like 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. The psalm begins with sobbing and ends with singing.

 1. Lament over prolonged suffering 13:1-2

Rhetorical questions expressed David's frustration and sought to move God to action (cf. 6:3). God had apparently forgotten His servant or was hiding from him (cf. Exod. 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.

 2. Petition for an answer 13:3-4

David 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 Sam. 14:27, 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.

"Awareness of God and the enemy is virtually the hallmark of every psalm of David; the positive and negative charge which produced the driving-force of his best years."⁴⁵

 3. Trust in eventual deliverance 13:5-6

In 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 three pairs of verses climb up from the depths to a fine vantage-point of confidence and hope. If the path is prayer (3f.), the sustaining energy is the faith expressed in verse 5. The prospect from the summit (5) is exhilarating, and the retrospect (6) overwhelming."⁴⁶

When the heavens seem to be brass and we feel God has departed from us we should continue to trust Him and wait for His salvation. We can find encouragement by remembering His past loyal love and goodness to us.⁴⁷