King James Version
Psalm 13
As a concise individual lament, Psalm 13 illustrates the rapid movement from profound emotional distress to joyous faith within a few short verses. The poet expresses feelings of abandonment, sorrow, and fear of death, begging for light and renewal before enemies triumph. Without any change in outward circumstances, the speaker reaches a turning point of inner peace through remembering divine mercy. This chapter serves as a classic model of biblical lament in the Psalter, showing how honest prayer leads to renewed hope. The final confidence is beautifully expressed in the key verse, "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation."
1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
GO DEEPER
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