Psalms 13: From Anguish to Trust
Four repeated 'how longs' resolved into a song of joy.
One of the shortest laments in the Psalter, this chapter follows Psalms 12 and opens with David repeating 'how long' four times as he wrestles with sorrow, a hidden God, and a triumphant enemy. He asks to be enlightened before he sleeps the sleep of death.
How long, O Jehovah? wilt thou forget me for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Consider `and' answer me, O Jehovah my God: Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the `sleep of' death;
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; `Lest' mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto Jehovah, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 14 For the Chief Musician. `A Psalm' of David.