Types of Psalms Table

13:title A psalm of David See note on 3:title

13:1 How long A common cry in lament psalms. See 6:3 and note.

Will you forget me forever This question is answered in the psalmist’s concluding note of trust and praise (vv. 5–6).

13:2 counsel in my soul The psalmist feels alone and isolated. He feels Yahweh has abandoned him, and he has no friends to counsel him (see Prov 27:9).

sorrow in my heart The Hebrew word used here, yagon, describes the opposite of joy (Jer 8:18). The psalmist’s turmoil is emotional, not physical.

will my enemy be exalted over me The psalmist laments because his enemies have been successful. While their success presents physical danger for the psalmist, this expression also presents a crisis of faith: As the righteous and just judge, Yahweh should not allow His enemies to be exalted (Ps 9:6–8).

13:3 answer me The psalmist petitions Yahweh to answer him (see 4:1 and note). He shows faith as he affirms that Yahweh is his God.

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

Give light to my eyes This refers to the restoring of strength or health (1 Sam 14:27).

death The psalmist felt that death was imminent if Yahweh did not act.

13:4 my enemy should say If God does not act, the psalmist’s enemies will prevail. Their victory would be a victory over Yahweh as well as the psalmist (Deut 32:27).

because I am shaken The Hebrew word used here, mot, expresses a lack of security and safety. Generally, Yahweh’s protection prevents the righteous from being shaken (Psa 15:5; 16:8; 62:6 112:6).

13:5 I have trusted in After petitioning Yahweh, the psalmist expresses his trust in Yahweh.

steadfast love The Hebrew word used here, chesed, describes Yahweh’s unceasing, covenantal love as seen in Yahweh’s promises to His people (Gen 12:1–3; Exod 34). See Ps 6:4 and note.

Chesed Word Study