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Commentary on Psalms 13 verses 1–6
David, in affliction, is here pouring out his soul before God; his address is short, but the method is very observable, and of use for direction and encouragement.
I. His troubles extort complaints (Psa 13:1, Psa 13:2); and the afflicted have liberty to pour out their complaint before the Lord, Ps. 102 title. It is some ease to a troubled spirit to give vent to its griefs, especially to give vent to them at the throne of grace, where we are sure to find one who is afflicted in the afflictions of his people and is troubled with the feeling of their infirmities; thither we have boldness of access by faith, and there we have parrēsia - freedom of speech. Observe here,
1.What David complains of. (1.) God's unkindness; so he construed it, and it was his infirmity. He thought God had forgotten him, had forgotten his promises to him, his covenant with him, his former lovingkindness which he had shown him and which he took to be an earnest of further mercy, had forgotten that there was such a man in the world, who needed and expected relief and succour from him. Thus Zion said, My God has forgotten me (Isa 49:14), Israel said, My way is hidden from the Lord, Isa 40:27. Not that any good man can doubt the omniscience, goodness, and faithfulness of God; but it is a peevish expression of prevailing fear, which yet, when it arises from a high esteem and earnest desire of God's favour, though it be indecent and culpable, shall be passed by and pardoned, for the second thought will retract it and repent of it. God hid his face from him, so that he wanted that inward comfort in God which he used to have, and herein was a type of Christ upon the cross, crying out, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? God sometimes hides his face from his own children, and leaves them in the dark concerning their interest in him; and this they lay to heart more than any outward trouble whatsoever. (2.) His own uneasiness. [1.] He was racked with care, which filled his head: I take counsel in my soul; "I am at a loss, and am inops consilii - without a friend to advise with that I can put any confidence in, and therefore am myself continually projecting what to do to help myself; but none of my projects are likely to take effect, so that I am at my wits' end, and in a continual agitation." Anxious cares are heavy burdens with which good people often load themselves more than they need. [2.] He was overwhelmed with sorrow, which filled his heart: I have sorrow in my heart daily. He had a constant disposition to sorrow and it preyed upon his spirits, not only in the night, when he was silent and solitary, but by day too, when lighter griefs are diverted and dissipated by conversation and business; nay, every day brought with it fresh occasions of grief; the clouds returned after the rain. The bread of sorrow is sometimes the saint's daily bread. Our Master himself was a man of sorrows. (3.) His enemies' insolence, which added to his grief. Saul his great enemy, and others under him, were exalted over him, triumphed in his distress, pleased themselves with his grief, and promised themselves a complete victory over him. This he complained of as reflecting dishonour upon God, and his power and promise.
2.How he expostulates with God hereupon: "How long shall it be thus?" And, "Shall it be thus for ever?" Long afflictions try our patience and often tire it. It is a common temptation, when trouble lasts long, to think it will last always; despondency then turns into despair, and those that have long been without joy begin, at last, to be without hope. "Lord, tell me how long thou wilt hide thy face, and assure me that it shall not be for ever, but that thou wilt return at length in mercy to me, and then I shall the more easily bear my present troubles."
II. His complaints stir up his prayers, Psa 13:3, Psa 13:4. We should never allow ourselves to make any complaints but what are fit to be offered up to God and what drive us to our knees. Observe here,
1.What his petitions are: Consider my case, hear my complaints, and enlighten my eyes, that is, (1.) "Strengthen my faith;" for faith is the eye of the soul, with which it sees above, and sees through, the things of sense. "Lord, enable me to look beyond my present troubles and to foresee a happy issue of them." (2.) "Guide my way; enable me to look about me, that I may avoid the snares which are laid for me." (3.) "Refresh my soul with the joy of thy salvation." That which revives the drooping spirits is said to enlighten the eyes, Sa1 14:27; Ezr 9:8. "Lord, scatter the cloud of melancholy which darkens my eyes, and let my countenance be made pleasant."
2.What his pleas are. He mentions his relation to God and interest in him (O Lord my God!) and insists upon the greatness of the peril, which called for speedy relief and succour. If his eyes were not enlightened quickly, (1.) He concludes that he must perish: "I shall sleep the sleep of death; I cannot live under the weight of all this care and grief." Nothing is more killing to a soul then the want of God's favour, nothing more reviving than the return of it. (2.) That then his enemies would triumph: "Lest my enemy say, So would I have it; lest Saul, lest Satan, be gratified in my fall." It would gratify the pride of his enemy: He will say, "I have prevailed, I have gotten the day, and been too hard for him and his God." It would gratify the malice of his enemies: They will rejoice when I am moved. And will it be for God's honour to suffer them thus to trample upon all that is sacred both in heaven and earth?
III. His prayers are soon turned into praises (Psa 13:5, Psa 13:6): But my heart shall rejoice and I will sing to the Lord. What a surprising change is here in a few lines! In the beginning of the psalm we have him drooping, trembling, and ready to sink into melancholy and despair; but, in the close of it, rejoicing in God, and elevated and enlarged in his praises. See the power of faith, the power of prayer, and how good it is to draw near to God. If we bring our cares and griefs to the throne of grace, and leave them there, we may go away like Hannah, and our countenance will be no more sad, Sa1 1:18. And here observe the method of his comfort. 1. God's mercy is the support of his faith. "My case is bad enough, and I am ready to think it deplorable, till I consider the infinite goodness of God; but, finding I have that to trust to, I am comforted, though I have no merit of my own. In former distresses I have trusted in the mercy of God, and I never found that it failed me; his mercy has in due time relieved me and my confidence in it has in the mean time supported me. Even in the depth of this distress, when God hid his face from me, when without were fightings and within were fears, yet I trusted in the mercy of God and that was as an anchor in a storm, by the help of which, though I was tossed, I was not overset." And still I do trust in thy mercy; so some read it. "I refer myself to that, with an assurance that it will do well for me at last." This he pleads with God, knowing what pleasure he takes in those that hope in his mercy, Psa 147:11. 2. His faith in God's mercy filled his heart with joy in his salvation; for joy and peace come by believing, Rom 15:13. Believing, you rejoice, Pe1 1:8. Having put his trust in the mercy of God, he is fully assured of salvation, and that his heart, which was now daily grieving, should rejoice in that salvation. Though weeping endure long, joy will return. 3. His joy in God's salvation would fill his mouth with songs of praise (Psa 13:6): "I will sing unto the Lord, sing in remembrance of what he has done formerly; though I should never recover the peace I have had, I will die blessing God that ever I had it. He has dealt bountifully with me formerly, and he shall have the glory of that, however he is pleased to deal with me now. I will sing in hope of what he will do for me at last, being confident that all will end well, will end everlastingly well." But he speaks of it as a thing past (He has dealt bountifully with me), because by faith he had received the earnest of the salvation and he was as confident of it as if it had been done already.
In singing this psalm and praying it over, if we have not the same complaints to make that David had, we must thank God that we have not, dread and deprecate his withdrawings, sympathize with those that are troubled in mind, and encourage ourselves in our most holy faith and joy.
Hope in God’s mercy, have no doubts, and you will gain your request completely; once gained, however, do not prove ungrateful for the favor and unappreciative but make a record of the kindness and offer it as a thanksgiving song to the Lord.
"My heart shall exult in Your salvation;" in Christ, in the Wisdom of God. "I will sing to the Lord who has given me good things;" spiritual good things, not belonging to man's day. "And I will chant to the name of the Lord most high" [Psalm 13:6]; that is, I give thanks with joy, and in most due order employ my body, which is the song of the spiritual soul. But if any distinction is to be marked here, "I will sing" with the heart, "I will chant" with my works; "to the Lord," that which He alone sees, but "to the name of the Lord," that which is known among men, which is serviceable not for Him, but for us.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 13:6 serves as the triumphant crescendo of a profound spiritual journey, transitioning from the depths of desperate lament to a resolute declaration of praise. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's—traditionally David's—transformation from a state of abandonment and questioning God's presence to a confident affirmation of divine faithfulness and abundant mercy. It signifies not merely a hopeful anticipation of future deliverance, but a present, proactive act of worship, firmly rooted in the certainty that the LORD has already acted generously and will continue to do so, thus compelling a spontaneous and heartfelt vow to sing His praise.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 13:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of faith's triumph over despair. The most prominent is the dramatic Shift in Tone, which transforms the psalm from a desperate lament (verses 1-4) into a confident declaration of praise and trust (verses 5-6). This abrupt yet profound transition underscores the power of faith to reorient perspective, moving from deep anguish to a settled assurance in God's character. The verse also features a clear Vow of Praise, expressed through the resolute "I will sing," a common characteristic in lament psalms that signifies a commitment to worship God regardless of immediate circumstances or the persistence of trials. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Personal Confession, as the psalmist articulates a deeply personal experience of God's goodness ("dealt bountifully with me"), making the praise authentic, relatable, and deeply rooted in individual experience. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful Climax for the entire psalm, providing a triumphant and faith-filled resolution to the emotional and spiritual journey depicted throughout the preceding verses.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 13:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of authentic faith, the experience of suffering, and the unwavering faithfulness of God. It powerfully affirms that genuine faith is not merely the absence of doubt or distress, but rather the profound ability to anchor oneself in God's unchanging character and His covenantal love, even when navigating the most profound personal trials. The psalmist's remarkable journey from the anguished cry of "How long?" to the resolute declaration "I will sing" demonstrates unequivocally that praise is not exclusively a response to blessings already received, but fundamentally an act of trust in God's past and future goodness. It is a vital spiritual discipline that reorients the heart toward divine sovereignty and cultivates an attitude of gratitude. This proactive praise, offered even when circumstances remain challenging, serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring mercy and His steadfast commitment to His people, providing an enduring model for believers to cultivate gratitude and unwavering trust in every season of life.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 13:6 offers a profound and timeless lesson for all believers navigating the complexities of life: the path from deep lament to triumphant praise is often, and perhaps most powerfully, a journey of faith that transcends immediate changes in external circumstances. Like David, we are invited to bring our rawest emotions, our deepest questions, and our most profound anxieties directly before God, trusting implicitly that He hears, He cares, and He remains sovereign. The pivotal turning point, as illustrated in this verse, comes when we consciously choose to shift our focus from the overwhelming nature of our problems to the unchanging character of God and His proven faithfulness throughout our lives. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement to cultivate a spirit of proactive gratitude, intentionally remembering God's past bountiful dealings in our lives, even when current trials or perceived divine silence obscure His immediate presence. By deliberately choosing to praise Him for who He is and what He has already accomplished, we actively engage our faith, strengthen our spiritual resolve, and profoundly reorient our perspective, recognizing that God's goodness is the constant, stable, and unshakeable foundation upon which our entire lives are built. This intentional act of worship transforms our inner landscape, allowing hope to blossom and flourish even in the most barren and desolate places of our souls.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does David's praise in Psalms 13:6 imply that his problems have been immediately or miraculously solved?
Answer: Not necessarily. The psalm's meticulously crafted structure, moving from intense lament (verses 1-4) to a confident expression of trust (verse 5) and finally a vow of praise (verse 6), strongly suggests that the shift is primarily an internal one. It represents a profound transformation of the psalmist's perspective, trust, and spiritual posture, rather than an immediate alteration of external circumstances. David's confidence is deeply rooted in God's unchanging character and His proven past faithfulness ("he hath dealt bountifully with me"), which provides him with an unshakeable assurance for the future, even if the present trial persists. This serves as a powerful demonstration of mature faith: praising God not because every problem is instantly resolved, but because God is inherently perfect, faithful, and worthy of all praise. It is a proactive act of worship that anticipates God's ultimate deliverance, even before its full manifestation, much like the definition of faith articulated in Hebrews 11:1.
How can I cultivate the kind of robust faith that enables me to sing praise even when I am in profound distress, mirroring the psalmist's experience?
Answer: Cultivating this profound kind of faith involves several crucial spiritual disciplines. First, honest lament is absolutely essential; do not suppress your pain, confusion, or anger, but bring these raw emotions directly and transparently to God, just as David does in Psalms 13:1-4. Second, intentional remembrance of God's past faithfulness is vital. Regularly recall, meditate upon, and even journal about specific times when God has demonstrably shown His goodness, provided for your needs, or delivered you from past difficulties. This practice of reflecting on "he hath dealt bountifully with me" builds a deep reservoir of trust and gratitude. Third, make a conscious effort to focus on God's unchanging character rather than being consumed by fluctuating circumstances. Remind yourself of His immutable attributes—His mercy, unfailing love, omnipotence, and perfect wisdom—which remain constant even when your world feels chaotic and unpredictable (Malachi 3:6). Finally, practice proactive praise. Choose to express gratitude and worship God even when you don't feel like it, or when your emotions are still reeling. This act of obedience often shifts your perspective, opens your heart to His comforting presence, and profoundly transforms your spirit from within (Philippians 4:6-7).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 13:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's journey from the depths of desperate lament to a triumphant declaration of praise powerfully mirrors Christ's own earthly experience and His unparalleled work of salvation. Jesus, the quintessential Man of Sorrows, endured the deepest and most agonizing lament on the cross, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" – a direct and poignant echo of the very lament psalms He embodied. Yet, His suffering was not in vain; it was the ultimate, unparalleled demonstration of God dealing "bountifully" with humanity, not by sparing His beloved Son, but by providing the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sin of the world. Through His glorious resurrection, God definitively and triumphantly "dealt bountifully" with Christ, vindicating Him, exalting Him, and establishing Him as Lord over all creation. For believers, our present and future ability to "sing unto the LORD," even in the midst of our own trials and tribulations, is entirely predicated upon Christ's finished work on the cross and His victorious resurrection. He absorbed our lament, bore our burdens, and secured for us the eternal bounty of salvation, reconciliation with God, and the promise of everlasting life. Our praise, therefore, is an overflowing response to the immeasurable grace and unwavering faithfulness of God, revealed supremely in Jesus, who empowers us to overcome despair and join the glorious chorus of the redeemed, anticipating the blessed day when every tear will be wiped away and our praise will be unceasing in His glorious, eternal presence (Revelation 21:4).