Psalms 13:6

Commentary on Psalms 13:6 (KJV)

Psalm 13:6 concludes a powerful psalm that transitions from profound lament to resolute faith and joyful praise. King David, traditionally attributed as the author, begins this psalm with a desperate cry of "How long, O LORD?" (Psalm 13:1), expressing feelings of abandonment, sorrow, and fear of his enemies. However, by this final verse, there is a remarkable shift in tone, demonstrating a profound spiritual transformation.

Context

This verse serves as the triumphant climax of Psalm 13. The psalm is a classic example of a "lament psalm," which typically follows a pattern:

1. Complaint/Lament: (verses 1-2) David pours out his heart to God.
2. Petition/Prayer: (verses 3-4) He asks God for intervention.
3. Expression of Trust/Confidence: (verse 5) He declares his unwavering faith in God's mercy.
4. Vow of Praise: (verse 6) He resolves to sing and give thanks.

The shift in verse 6 is not necessarily because circumstances have changed, but because David's perspective has. His trust in God's character and past faithfulness leads him to anticipate deliverance and respond with gratitude, even before the full manifestation of the blessing.

Key Themes

• From Lament to Praise: The most striking theme is the journey from deep distress to confident praise. It highlights the power of faith to transform one's outlook, moving from despair to a declaration of God's goodness. This spiritual journey is a common experience for believers, reflecting how God can turn mourning into dancing.
• God's Abundant Goodness: The phrase "dealt bountifully with me" is central. It speaks to God's generous, merciful, and complete provision. David reflects on God's past kindness and trusts that it will continue, prompting his vow to sing.
• Faith as the Foundation of Praise: David's decision to sing is rooted in his faith in God's character and His unfailing love. He doesn't wait for the problem to be solved but praises God based on who He is and what He has already done.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dealt bountifully" is gamal (גָּמַל). This term signifies more than just giving; it implies a complete or full dealing, often in the sense of recompensing or showing favor. It speaks of God's perfect and generous acts, His readiness to bestow good upon His people. It suggests that God has acted fully and completely in David's favor, even if the immediate circumstances still feel challenging. This word reinforces the idea of God's comprehensive kindness and generosity.

Practical Application

Psalms 13:6 offers a profound lesson for believers today:

• Cultivate a Spirit of Gratitude: Even in difficult times, we are called to remember God's faithfulness and past blessings. Like David, we can choose to praise God for His character and His bounty, rather than focusing solely on our present struggles. This aligns with the call to "forget not all his benefits".
• Trust in God's Unchanging Character: The psalm encourages us to shift our focus from our problems to God's unchanging nature. His mercy and goodness are constant, providing a stable foundation for our faith even when circumstances are turbulent.
• The Power of Proactive Praise: David's vow to sing is a proactive act of faith. We too can choose to praise God before our prayers are fully answered, affirming our trust that He "hath dealt bountifully" and will continue to do so. This act of worship strengthens our faith and changes our perspective.

Ultimately, Psalms 13:6 is a timeless reminder that true faith leads to praise, recognizing God's abundant goodness regardless of our immediate circumstances.