13:1–2
How long?: Repeating the question four times shows intense worry and deep pain (Psalm 79:5).
Study notes
Psalms 13
13:1–6
The psalmist’s loud cry for help becomes a confident song of hope.
13:2
A feeling of deep sadness and pain can make it hard to see any hope (Psalm 6:3). Without God’s answer to his prayers (Psalm 22:1), death seems unavoidable, painful, and slow (Psalms 6:6; 32:3; 55:4; 61:2; 102:5; 116:3). The psalmist struggles to pray and longs for God's redemption (Psalms 25:17–18; 31:10; 38:8; 39:2).
13:3
The psalmist's suffering feels like death (Psalms 22:15; 55:4; 88:15; 94:17; 116:3).
13:3–4
Only the Lord can provide understanding and comfort. The psalmist hopes for the Lord's justice so his enemies will not celebrate.
13:5–6
The psalmist no longer hears the mockery of his enemies. Instead, he feels joyful because he trusts in the Lord.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources