Psalms 13:5

KJV

But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I have trusted {H982} in thy mercy {H2617}; my heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H1523} in thy salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I trust in your grace, my heart rejoices as you bring me to safety.

Berean Standard Bible

But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

American Standard Version

But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 13:5 marks a profound and pivotal shift within a psalm of deep lament, transforming the psalmist's desperate cries of abandonment into a resolute declaration of unwavering faith. This verse encapsulates the transformative power of deliberately choosing to anchor one's hope in God's unchanging character, specifically His steadfast mercy, leading to an anticipatory joy in His certain salvation, even amidst ongoing adversity. It stands as a powerful testament to the spiritual journey from profound despair to confident hope through intentional trust in the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 13 is a classic and concise example of a lament psalm, meticulously structured to move from intense complaint to confident trust and ultimately to a vow of praise. The psalm opens with the psalmist's desperate, repeated question, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?" [Psalms 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - The Psalmist's Cry of Despair"), articulating a profound sense of abandonment, sorrow, and internal struggle. Verses 1-2 vividly portray a soul overwhelmed by grief, burdened by daily sorrow, and facing the triumph of enemies. Verses 3-4 then transition to an urgent, direct plea for God's immediate intervention, asking God to "consider and answer me" so that the enemy might not gloat over his downfall. This intense personal suffering and questioning of God's perceived absence establish a stark and emotionally charged backdrop against which verse 5 emerges as a dramatic and deliberate pivot. The emphatic "But I" (וַאֲנִי, *va'ani*) introduces a conscious, volitional shift in perspective, a defiant act of faith that reorients the psalmist's focus from his dire circumstances to the unchanging character of God. This declaration of trust then naturally flows into a concluding vow of praise in verse 6, completing the typical lament arc from distress to renewed hope and worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 13 is traditionally attributed to King David, its specific historical setting is not explicitly provided, which allows its universal themes of suffering, lament, and trust to resonate across all generations and contexts. Culturally, the lament tradition was a deeply ingrained and divinely sanctioned aspect of Israelite worship and personal piety, providing a legitimate outlet for expressing profound distress, questioning God's actions or perceived inaction, and yet ultimately returning to a posture of trust. In ancient Israelite society, where God's covenant faithfulness was paramount, experiences of prolonged suffering or a perceived divine absence could be deeply unsettling and challenge one's understanding of God's justice and love. The psalmist's cry reflects the authentic human struggle within a covenant relationship, where a strong expectation of divine intervention for the righteous was foundational. The concept of God's "mercy" (Hebrew *chesed*) was absolutely foundational to Israel's understanding of Yahweh, rooted deeply in His covenant promises and powerfully demonstrated in His historical acts of deliverance, most notably the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel"). This deep-seated understanding of God's unwavering character provided the essential anchor for faith, even in the most trying and perplexing times.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **deliberate nature of faith** in the face of overwhelming adversity. The psalmist does not wait for his circumstances to change or his feelings to align; he actively and consciously chooses to trust, demonstrating that genuine faith is not merely a passive emotion but a profound volitional act, a decision of the will. Secondly, the verse unequivocally underscores the **unchanging nature of God's *ḥeseḏ*** (mercy/steadfast love) as the supremely secure foundation for all hope. It is God's unwavering covenant loyalty, His enduring kindness, and His unfailing love—not the psalmist's fleeting emotions or external conditions—that provide ultimate stability and security. This steadfast love is a recurring and vital theme throughout the Psalms, frequently invoked as the primary basis for God's merciful intervention [Psalms 51:1](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1 - A Prayer for Mercy Based on Steadfast Love"). Finally, the powerful declaration "my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation" introduces the profound theme of **anticipatory joy**. This is a joy not dependent on present relief from suffering but firmly rooted in the absolute certainty of God's future deliverance and vindication. It powerfully mirrors the profound confidence expressed by the prophet Habakkuk, who declared he would rejoice in the Lord even when all earthly provisions failed and the fig tree did not blossom [Habakkuk 3:17-18](/habakkuk/3-17-18 "Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Rejoicing in the Lord Amidst Adversity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trusted (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_ H982):** This verb signifies a deep, abiding reliance, to lean upon with confidence, to feel secure, or to be absolutely sure. It implies not merely intellectual assent to a truth but a complete, unwavering dependence and security in the object of trust. In the context of Psalms 13:5, it denotes a conscious, active decision by the psalmist to place his entire weight, hope, and vulnerability upon God, despite the overwhelming circumstances that might suggest otherwise. It is a posture of confident surrender and unwavering assurance.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_ H2617):** This is one of the most significant and profound theological terms in the Old Testament, denoting God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, unfailing kindness, and enduring faithfulness. It is far more robust and active than mere pity; it describes an engaged, committed, and gracious love that is foundational to God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. The psalmist's trust is not in a vague benevolence but in the concrete, reliable, and covenantal *ḥeseḏ* of God, which is eternally faithful and never fails. This concept is beautifully articulated in the foundational declaration of God's character in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Grace").
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_ H3444):** This noun encompasses a broad range of meanings including deliverance, rescue, victory, and comprehensive well-being. It points to God's active, powerful intervention to save His people from distress, enemies, or sin. In this verse, it refers to the anticipated divine act of deliverance that will vindicate the psalmist, restore his well-being, and triumph over his adversaries. The profound joy expressed is in this certain future intervention, which is so assured in the psalmist's faith that he can rejoice in it as if it has already occurred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I have trusted in thy mercy":** The opening "But I" (וַאֲנִי, *va'ani*) introduces a sharp, intentional contrast with the preceding verses of deep lament, despair, and questioning. It signifies a deliberate choice and a powerful personal declaration. Despite the anguished "how long?" and the overwhelming distress, the psalmist actively chooses to place his trust (*bāṭaḥ'*) in God. The sole object of this profound trust is not his own strength, the cessation of his troubles, or external circumstances, but exclusively "thy mercy" (*ḥeseḏ*), God's steadfast, covenantal love. This steadfast love is presented as the unshakeable bedrock of his confidence, a firm foundation independent of his fluctuating feelings or the severity of his trials.
* **"my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation":** This clause expresses the certain, faith-filled outcome and internal response of the psalmist's deliberate trust. "My heart" signifies the innermost being, the very core of the person—the seat of emotion, will, intellect, and spirit. The future tense "shall rejoice" (from *gîyl*) indicates a confident expectation and a settled, resolute joy, not merely a hopeful wish. This joy is not based on current relief from suffering but on the absolute certainty of God's future deliverance (*yĕšûʿâ'*). It is an anticipatory joy, a profound faith-filled declaration that God's saving power is assured and imminent, transforming the psalmist's present emotional state through the powerful lens of future hope.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 13:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and transformative message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, powerfully introduced by the emphatic "But I" (וַאֲנִי, *va'ani*). This serves as a dramatic and intentional pivot, starkly contrasting the preceding verses of deep lament, questioning, and despair with a sudden, resolute declaration of faith. This abrupt shift highlights the psalmist's deliberate and volitional choice to reorient his focus from his overwhelming suffering to the unchanging and reliable character of God. There is also a clear form of **Parallelism**, specifically synthetic parallelism, where the act of trusting in God's mercy in the first clause leads directly to the heart's rejoicing in His salvation in the second, creating a cause-and-effect relationship that profoundly underscores the transformative power of faith. The phrase "my heart shall rejoice" utilizes **Metonymy**, where the "heart" represents the entire inner person—emotions, will, and spirit—emphasizing that this joy is a holistic, internal, and deeply personal response. Furthermore, the verse exhibits powerful **Anticipatory Language**, as the psalmist declares he *shall* rejoice in salvation that has not yet fully manifested in his present circumstances. This is a profound statement of **Faith as Assurance**, where the future reality of God's certain deliverance is so assured and real to the psalmist that it can be celebrated in the present, even amidst ongoing distress and unfulfilled longing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 13:5 offers profound theological insights into the very nature of faith, the unwavering character of God, and the authentic human experience of suffering. It teaches us that genuine faith is not the absence of doubt, pain, or questioning, but rather a deliberate, courageous choice to anchor oneself firmly in God's unchanging character, specifically His *ḥeseḏ* (steadfast love and covenant loyalty), even when circumstances seem to overwhelmingly contradict His goodness or presence. This verse beautifully illustrates the dynamic journey inherent in lament psalms, where honest and raw wrestling with God's perceived absence or delay ultimately gives way to a powerful re-affirmation of His constant presence and unfailing faithfulness. The psalmist's remarkable ability to rejoice in anticipated salvation underscores that hope in God is not merely wishful thinking or a desperate plea, but a confident expectation rooted in His proven track record of deliverance and the absolute certainty of His covenant promises. This anticipatory joy profoundly transforms the present experience of suffering, offering profound strength, divine perspective, and enduring peace.

* [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21-23 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease")
* [Psalm 30:11-12](/psalms/30-11-12 "Psalm 30:11-12 - Turning Mourning into Dancing")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering, Hope Does Not Disappoint")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 13:5 serves as an invaluable spiritual compass for every believer navigating life's inevitable storms and seasons of prolonged waiting. It challenges us to move beyond our initial, often natural, cries of lament and despair—not by denying our pain or suppressing our questions, but by deliberately and consciously re-anchoring our focus on God's unchanging character. The psalmist's emphatic "But I" is a profound invitation to each of us to make a conscious, volitional choice to trust, even when our emotions scream otherwise, when circumstances seem bleak, and when God's presence feels distant. Our trust is not to be placed in the shifting sands of our circumstances, the fleeting nature of our feelings, or the perceived stability of human efforts, but firmly and solely in God's steadfast mercy (*ḥeseḏ*)—His loyal, covenantal love that never fails and endures forever. This provides an unshakeable, eternal foundation for our faith. Furthermore, the verse profoundly encourages us to cultivate a heart that can genuinely rejoice in God's salvation even before it fully manifests in our visible reality. This anticipatory joy, born of confident hope and unwavering assurance, empowers us to endure with resilience, transforming our perspective from one of victimhood to one of victorious expectation. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's deliverance is not merely a possibility but a divine certainty, and we can begin to celebrate it now, allowing His promised future to infuse our present with profound strength, peace, and an unshakeable hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's deliberate shift from lament to trust challenge my own instinctive responses to adversity and prolonged suffering, especially when God feels distant?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can I more deeply root my trust in God's unchanging mercy (*ḥeseḏ*) rather than in my fluctuating feelings or the perceived stability of my circumstances?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that genuinely rejoices in God's promised salvation and deliverance, even when the full manifestation of that salvation is not yet visible or experienced in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist shift so suddenly from despair to trust in this psalm?**

Answer: The seemingly sudden shift in Psalms 13:5 is not an indication of emotional instability or a denial of pain, but rather a deliberate and theologically significant act of faith. It represents a conscious, volitional choice by the psalmist to reorient his focus from his overwhelming and distressing circumstances to the unchanging character and covenant faithfulness of God. This pattern is a hallmark of lament psalms, where the psalmist pours out their heart in raw complaint and earnest petition, but then, through an act of remembrance, resolve, or prophetic insight, chooses to recall God's past faithfulness and His unfailing covenant promises. This re-anchoring in God's steadfast love (*chesed*) allows for a profound shift in perspective, leading to a declaration of trust and anticipatory joy, even before the external situation changes. It powerfully demonstrates that genuine faith is often a volitional act, a courageous decision to trust God despite what one sees or feels in the moment, leaning into the truth of His character. For another example of this pattern, consider the journey of faith in [Psalm 77](/psalms/77 "Psalm 77 - A Psalm of Lament and Remembrance").

**What is the significance of "mercy" in this verse, and how does it relate to God's character?**

Answer: The term "mercy" in Psalms 13:5 translates the rich and profound Hebrew word *chesed* (חֶסֶד), which is far more encompassing than mere pity or compassion. *Chesed* embodies God's steadfast love, His unwavering covenant loyalty, His unfailing kindness, and His enduring faithfulness. It describes a love that is active, committed, and graciously demonstrated, forming the very backbone of God's relationship with His people. The psalmist's trust is rooted in this specific, reliable aspect of God's character—His covenantal love that never fails and is the foundation of His promises. It's not a trust based on God's power alone, but on His benevolent, faithful, and committed nature, which compels Him to act on behalf of those He loves and with whom He has made a covenant. This concept is central to the biblical understanding of God, often paired with His compassion and grace, as seen in the foundational declaration of God's character to Moses in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Grace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 13:5 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both the depths of human lament and the triumph of absolute trust. While the psalmist cried out, "How long, O Lord?", Jesus, in His full humanity, experienced the agonizing depths of human suffering, abandonment, and even cried out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" [Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). Yet, like the psalmist, Jesus' trust in the Father's mercy (*ḥeseḏ*) was absolute and unwavering, even unto death. He committed His spirit into the Father's hands [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Last Words of Trust"), demonstrating perfect reliance on divine *chesed* in the face of ultimate suffering. The "salvation" (*yᵉshûwʻâh*) that the psalmist anticipated is fully and definitively realized in Christ's atoning work on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus secured the ultimate deliverance from sin, death, and the power of the grave, making God's boundless mercy and saving grace accessible to all who believe. Our ability to "rejoice in thy salvation" is now grounded not merely in a future hope, but in the accomplished fact of Christ's victory over sin and death. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and His resurrection is the ultimate vindication of God's mercy, the fulfillment of all promises, and the very source of our living hope [1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope Through the Resurrection"). Thus, Psalms 13:5 powerfully points us to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith"), in whom all God's promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ").

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

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Psalms 9:14

That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

Psalms 52:8

But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

Psalms 33:18

Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

Psalms 32:10

Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.