Psa 13:1-3 | Clarke | STEP | This Psalm contains the sentiments of an afflicted soul that earnestly desires succor from the Lord. The psalmist complains of delay, ; prays for light and comfort, because he finds himself on the brink of death, ; dreads the revilings of his enemies, ; anticipates a favorable answer, and promises thanksgiving, , . There is nothing particular in the inscription. The Psalm is supposed to have been written during the captivity, and to contain the prayers and supplications of the distressed Israelites, worn out with their long and oppressive bondage. Verse 1 How long wilt thou forget me - The words עד אנה ad anah, to what length, to what time, translated here how long? are four times repeated in the two first verses, and point out at once great dejection and extreme earnestness of soul. Hide thy face from me? - How long shall I be destitute of a clear sense of thy approbation?

Psalms 13:1-3

Introduction

This Psalm contains the sentiments of an afflicted soul that earnestly desires succor from the Lord. The psalmist complains of delay, Psa 13:1-3; prays for light and comfort, because he finds himself on the brink of death, Psa 13:3; dreads the revilings of his enemies, Psa 13:4; anticipates a favorable answer, and promises thanksgiving, Psa 13:5, Psa 13:6.

There is nothing particular in the inscription. The Psalm is supposed to have been written during the captivity, and to contain the prayers and supplications of the distressed Israelites, worn out with their long and oppressive bondage.

Verse 1

How long wilt thou forget me - The words עד אנה ad anah, to what length, to what time, translated here how long? are four times repeated in the two first verses, and point out at once great dejection and extreme earnestness of soul.

Hide thy face from me? - How long shall I be destitute of a clear sense of thy approbation? Verse 2

Take counsel in my soul - I am continually framing ways and means of deliverance; but they all come to naught, because thou comest not to my deliverance. When a soul feels the burden and guilt of sin, it tries innumerable schemes of self-recovery; but they are all useless. None but God can speak peace to a guilty conscience.

Mine enemy be exalted - Satan appears to triumph while the soul lies under the curse of a broken law. Verse 3

Consider and hear me - Rather, answer me. I have prayed; I am seeking thy face I am lost without thee; I am in darkness; my life draws nigh to destruction; if I die unforgiven, I die eternally. O Lord my God, consider this; hear and answer, for thy name's sake.