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.
To the Overseer. -- A Psalm of David. Till when, O Jehovah, Dost Thou forget me? -- for ever? Till when dost Thou hide Thy face from me?
Till when do I set counsels in my soul? Sorrow inn my heart daily? Till when is mine enemy exalted over me?
Look attentively; Answer me, O Jehovah, my God, Enlighten mine eyes, lest I sleep in death,
Lest mine enemy say, `I overcame him,' Mine adversaries joy when I am moved.
And I, in Thy kindness I have trusted, Rejoice doth my heart in Thy salvation.
I do sing to Jehovah, For He hath conferred benefits upon me!