Psalms 13:3

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

Consider {H5027} and hear {H6030} me, O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}: lighten {H215} mine eyes {H5869}, lest I sleep {H3462} the sleep of death {H4194};

Look, and answer me, ADONAI my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death.

Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,

Considerand answer me, O Jehovah my God: Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Commentary

Psalms 13:3 is a poignant plea from the psalmist, likely David, to God for immediate attention and intervention. It captures a moment of intense despair, where the speaker feels abandoned and fears both spiritual and physical demise. This verse is part of a larger lament, moving from anguish to renewed trust, characteristic of many Psalms.

Context

Psalm 13 is a classic example of a lament psalm, structured around a cry of distress, a plea for help, an expression of trust, and a vow of praise. Verse 3 falls within the initial, urgent cry. The psalmist feels forgotten by God (Psalm 13:1) and overwhelmed by sorrow and his enemies (Psalm 13:2). This verse escalates the desperation, emphasizing the critical need for God's swift response to prevent utter collapse or death. Such prayers often arose from periods of intense persecution, illness, or profound spiritual darkness experienced by King David.

Key Themes

  • Urgent Plea for Divine Attention: The phrases "Consider and hear me, O LORD my God" highlight a desperate need for God to acknowledge and respond to the psalmist's suffering. It reflects a belief that God's attention is synonymous with salvation.
  • Request for Spiritual and Physical Revival: "Lighten mine eyes" is a rich metaphor. It signifies a desire for renewed hope, spiritual understanding, and vitality. Eyes that are "lightened" are those that see clearly, are full of life, and are not dulled by sorrow or despair. It's a prayer for God to restore life and purpose.
  • Fear of Death and Despair: The stark warning "lest I sleep the sleep of death" reveals the ultimate fear. This "sleep" is a common biblical idiom for physical death, but in this context, it also implies a spiritual death or a complete loss of hope and connection with God, which can feel like an end to life itself. The psalmist fears being utterly consumed by his troubles.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lighten mine eyes" comes from the Hebrew word root 'or (אוֹר), meaning "light." When applied to the eyes ('ayin, Χ’Φ·Χ™Φ΄ΧŸ), it can mean literally to restore sight or vitality, but often carries a deeper, metaphorical sense of restoring spiritual understanding, joy, or hope. For example, in 1 Samuel 14:27, Jonathan's eyes are "lightened" after eating, signifying renewed strength and awareness. Here, it is a plea for God to infuse life and clarity into a spirit dimmed by suffering.

The "sleep of death" is a common biblical idiom for death itself, emphasizing its peaceful, restful aspect, though here it is presented as a dreaded outcome. This imagery appears elsewhere, such as in John 11:11, where Jesus refers to Lazarus's death as sleep, anticipating resurrection.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful model for prayer in times of deep distress. It teaches us that:

  1. Honest Lament is Acceptable: It's permissible and even healthy to express our deepest fears and despair to God, as David does here. God invites our raw honesty.
  2. God is Our Source of Life and Hope: When our "eyes" are dimmed by life's difficulties, we can pray for God to "lighten" them, asking for renewed perspective, strength, and hope. This echoes the sentiment of Ephesians 1:18, praying for the "eyes of your understanding being enlightened."
  3. Prayer Averts Despair: The psalmist's fear of the "sleep of death" underscores how vital divine intervention is to prevent utter despair and spiritual collapse. Our prayers are a lifeline that connects us to God's sustaining grace.

In our own moments of feeling forgotten or overwhelmed, we can echo David's cry, trusting that our God is one who hears, considers, and brings light even in the darkest valleys.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 9:8 (10 votes)

    And now for a little space grace hath been [shewed] from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

  • Psalms 18:28 (9 votes)

    For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

  • Jeremiah 51:39 (6 votes)

    In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.

  • Psalms 5:1 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

  • 1 Samuel 14:27 (4 votes)

    But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that [was] in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

  • 1 Samuel 14:29 (4 votes)

    Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

  • Lamentations 5:1 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.