Psalms 13:2

KJV

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, [having] sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

KJV (with Strong's)

How long shall I take {H7896} counsel {H6098} in my soul {H5315}, having sorrow {H3015} in my heart {H3824} daily {H3119}? how long shall mine enemy {H341} be exalted {H7311} over me?

Complete Jewish Bible

How long must I keep asking myself what to do, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long must my enemy dominate me?

Berean Standard Bible

How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 13:2 captures the psalmist's profound internal and external anguish, expressed through a desperate double "How long?" The verse reveals a soul consumed by self-deliberation and daily sorrow, alongside the oppressive burden of an enemy's perceived triumph. It is a raw, honest cry from the depths of despair, articulating a feeling of being forgotten by God and overwhelmed by circumstances, yet implicitly appealing for divine intervention to end the protracted suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 13 is a classic individual lament psalm, a genre characterized by an address to God, a complaint, a petition, an expression of trust, and a vow of praise. Verse 2 is part of the opening complaint, specifically the "how long" section (verses 1-2), which sets the tone of deep distress and prolonged suffering. The psalmist's fourfold repetition of "How long?" in verses 1 and 2 underscores the intensity and duration of his pain, creating a powerful rhetorical appeal to God. This lament, however, is not without hope, as the psalm dramatically shifts from despair to renewed trust and a vow of praise in [Psalms 13:5-6](/psalms/13-5 "Psalms 13:5-6 - The Psalmist's Trust and Praise"). Understanding this full arc is vital, as it frames the initial lament not as a final state, but as a necessary step in the journey of faith towards divine deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally attributed to David, the specific historical circumstances for Psalms 13 are not explicitly stated, allowing its themes of suffering and trust to resonate universally across generations. However, the language of "enemy" (Hebrew: _oyev_) often refers to literal human adversaries, common in the tumultuous political and military landscape of ancient Israel. The concept of an enemy being "exalted" implies a public humiliation or defeat for the psalmist, a significant blow to honor and status in ancient Near Eastern culture. The internal struggle of "taking counsel in my soul" reflects a common human experience, but in a culture deeply rooted in communal and divine guidance, such isolated rumination could signify a profound sense of abandonment or a crisis of faith, where even personal wisdom offers no relief. The daily nature of sorrow speaks to the relentless pressures of life in a world without modern comforts or immediate medical solutions for chronic distress.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 13:2 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully expresses the theme of **protracted suffering and divine silence**, a common lament throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 6:3](/psalms/6-3 "Psalms 6:3 - David's Lament and Plea for Mercy") and [Psalms 77:7-9](/psalms/77-7 "Psalms 77:7-9 - Asaph's Questioning of God's Faithfulness")). Secondly, it highlights the **internal struggle of the human soul** when faced with adversity, depicting a mind consumed by worry and a heart burdened by grief, a state often described as "disquieted" (e.g., [Psalms 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalms 42:5 - Why are you cast down, O my soul?")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the reality of **external oppression and the perceived triumph of adversaries**, a recurrent motif that calls for God's justice and intervention (e.g., [Psalms 3:1-2](/psalms/3-1 "Psalms 3:1-2 - David's Prayer in Distress")). Finally, despite the despair, the very act of crying out to God, even with "how long" questions, implicitly reinforces the theme of **persistent prayer and underlying hope** that God will eventually hear and act, transforming lament into praise, as seen in the psalm's conclusion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **How long (Hebrew, _‘ad-’anah'_):** This rhetorical interrogative phrase, repeated four times in Psalms 13:1-2, is a powerful expression of impatience, desperation, and longing for relief. It is not merely a question but a fervent plea, conveying the psalmist's sense of prolonged, unbearable suffering and a feeling of being forgotten or overlooked by God. It signifies a profound yearning for the cessation of distress and the immediate intervention of the divine.
* **take counsel in my soul (Hebrew, _shith ‘etsah b’napshi'_):** Literally meaning "to put counsel in my soul" or "to set advice in my soul," this phrase vividly portrays the psalmist's internal struggle. It describes a mind that is constantly deliberating, wrestling with its own thoughts, problems, and anxieties without finding peace, resolution, or external guidance. The _nephesh_ (soul) here encompasses the psalmist's entire inner being—mind, emotions, will, and life force—indicating a pervasive and exhausting mental and emotional turmoil.
* **sorrow (Hebrew, _yagon'_):** This word denotes deep grief, anguish, or affliction. When coupled with "in my heart daily" (_levav yomam_), it emphasizes the constant, oppressive, and pervasive nature of the emotional burden. It is a sorrow that is not fleeting but a persistent, gnawing pain that afflicts the very core of the psalmist's being, affecting his intellect, emotions, and will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How long shall I take counsel in my soul":** This clause reveals the psalmist's internal struggle. He is not seeking counsel from God or others, but is trapped in a cycle of self-deliberation, endlessly replaying his problems and anxieties within his own mind. This suggests a state of mental exhaustion and a lack of clear direction or hope from within himself, highlighting the futility of relying solely on one's own limited wisdom in times of deep distress.
* **"[having] sorrow in my heart daily?":** This phrase further intensifies the internal anguish, emphasizing its constant and pervasive nature. The sorrow is not an occasional visitor but a daily companion, deeply seated in the "heart" (the biblical seat of intellect, emotion, and will). This daily burden underscores the chronic nature of the psalmist's suffering, indicating a relentless emotional and psychological toll that drains his spirit.
* **"how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?":** This second "How long?" shifts the focus from internal turmoil to external oppression. The "enemy" represents an adversary, whether a person, a group, or even circumstances, that appears to be winning or triumphing over the psalmist. The term "exalted" implies a public display of victory, power, or superiority, which would have been deeply humiliating and distressing to the psalmist, adding to his sense of defeat and vulnerability. This cry is a desperate plea for God to intervene and reverse the enemy's perceived triumph.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 13:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the psalmist's profound distress. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, specifically the repeated "How long?" (found also in verse 1). This is not a question seeking information but an impassioned cry that expresses impatience, desperation, and a fervent plea for divine intervention. It underscores the psalmist's feeling of prolonged suffering and abandonment. **Parallelism** is also evident, particularly in the structure of the verse, where the internal struggle ("take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily") is juxtaposed with the external threat ("mine enemy be exalted over me"), creating a comprehensive picture of the psalmist's multifaceted anguish. The phrase "take counsel in my soul" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "soul" represents the entire inner being, including the mind and emotions, which are engaged in this exhausting internal deliberation. Furthermore, the "enemy" being "exalted over me" can be interpreted as a form of **Personification**, where the abstract concept of oppression or adversity is given the active role of a triumphant foe, intensifying the sense of personal defeat and humiliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 13:2 profoundly illustrates the human experience of feeling abandoned by God and overwhelmed by internal and external pressures. The psalmist's desperate "How long?" reflects a universal cry for divine intervention in the face of seemingly endless suffering, reminding us that honest lament is a legitimate and even necessary component of a vibrant faith. The internal wrestling ("take counsel in my soul") speaks to the futility of self-reliance in deep distress, pointing to the need for God's wisdom and deliverance. The external threat of the "exalted enemy" highlights the biblical reality of opposition, whether spiritual or physical, and the longing for God to assert His sovereignty and bring justice. This verse, therefore, serves as a theological anchor for the validity of expressing raw emotion to God, while simultaneously building anticipation for God's eventual, faithful response, which transforms lament into renewed trust and praise.

* [Psalms 77:7-9](/psalms/77-7 "Psalms 77:7-9 - Asaph's Questioning of God's Faithfulness")
* [Job 7:3-4](/job/7-3 "Job 7:3-4 - Job's Weariness and Longing for Night")
* [Lamentations 5:20](/lamentations/5-20 "Lamentations 5:20 - Why do you forget us forever?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 13:2 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers navigating their own seasons of distress. It validates the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by internal struggles and external pressures, assuring us that such feelings are not a sign of weak faith but a natural part of the human condition. The psalmist's raw honesty in crying out "How long?" teaches us that it is not only permissible but vital to express our deepest sorrows, fears, and frustrations to God without reservation. Instead of endlessly "taking counsel in our soul"—ruminating on problems without resolution—the psalmist demonstrates the necessity of turning these internal struggles into a fervent cry for divine help. This shifts our focus from self-reliance to dependence on God, acknowledging that true peace and deliverance come from Him alone. Even in the depths of lament, the very act of crying out implies an underlying hope that God hears and will eventually act. This serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, faith can persist and lead to a turning point of trust and praise, as seen later in this very psalm. We are encouraged to persevere in prayer, knowing that God is attentive to our cries, even when we feel our enemy is exalted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself asking, "How long?" What does this reveal about your current struggles?**
* **Are you prone to "take counsel in your soul," endlessly ruminating on problems without finding peace? How can you intentionally shift this internal dialogue towards God?**
* **How does the psalmist's honest expression of sorrow and perceived defeat encourage you to be more transparent with God in your prayers?**
* **How can you cultivate a posture of persistent hope and trust in God, even when your circumstances feel overwhelming and your "enemy" seems to be exalted?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the repeated "How long?" in Psalms 13:2?**

Answer: The repeated "How long?" (Hebrew: _‘ad-’anah_) is a powerful rhetorical question that underscores the psalmist's profound sense of prolonged suffering, impatience, and desperation. It's not merely a question seeking information but an impassioned plea to God, expressing the feeling of being forgotten or overlooked and an intense longing for immediate divine intervention to end the distress. This repetition amplifies the emotional weight of the lament, highlighting the psalmist's deep anguish and the perceived unending nature of his trials, whether from internal sorrow or external adversaries. It is a direct and honest challenge to God's apparent silence or delay in action, a common feature in lament psalms like [Psalms 77:7-9](/psalms/77-7 "Psalms 77:7-9 - Asaph's Questioning of God's Faithfulness").

**What does "take counsel in my soul" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Take counsel in my soul" (Hebrew: _shith ‘etsah b’napshi_) describes an exhausting internal struggle where the psalmist is consumed by his own thoughts and anxieties, constantly deliberating and wrestling with his problems without finding peace or resolution. The "soul" (_nephesh_) refers to the psalmist's entire inner being—mind, emotions, and will. This phrase illustrates the futility of relying solely on one's own limited wisdom and resources in times of deep distress. It highlights a state of mental and emotional turmoil where the individual is trapped in a cycle of self-rumination, unable to break free from their sorrow. It implicitly contrasts with seeking counsel from God, which is the ultimate solution the psalmist eventually turns to in the latter part of [Psalms 13](/psalms/13 "Psalms 13 - A Lament and a Song of Trust").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 13:2, with its raw lament of internal sorrow and external oppression, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the perfect man, fully experienced the depths of human suffering and the burden of an "exalted enemy." His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")), echoes the psalmist's "sorrow in my heart daily" and "take counsel in my soul." On the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), a lament that encapsulates the feeling of divine abandonment expressed in Psalms 13:1. Yet, unlike the psalmist's temporary enemy, Jesus faced the ultimate enemy—Satan, sin, and death. The "exalted enemy" of the psalmist is ultimately defeated by Christ's resurrection. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the powers that held humanity captive, disarming principalities and powers and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the believer, united with Christ, can find solace and hope even in the deepest laments, knowing that their ultimate enemy has been conquered, and that sorrow and internal turmoil are not the final word, but rather a prelude to the joy and victory found in the resurrected [Lord Jesus Christ](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

Jeremiah 8:18

[When] I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart [is] faint in me.

Jeremiah 15:18

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, [which] refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, [and as] waters [that] fail?

Psalms 143:3

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

Psalms 143:4

Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

Psalms 142:4

¶ I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld, but [there was] no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.