Psalms 88:13

KJV

But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But unto thee have I cried {H7768}{H8765)}, O LORD {H3068}; and in the morning {H1242} shall my prayer {H8605} prevent {H6923}{H8762)} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I cry out to you, ADONAI; my prayer comes before you in the morning.

Berean Standard Bible

But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You.

American Standard Version

But unto thee, O Jehovah, have I cried; And in the morning shall my prayer come before thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 88:13 captures the psalmist's profound commitment to prayer despite overwhelming despair, declaring, "But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee." This verse stands as a poignant testament to unwavering faith and persistent supplication, even when divine comfort seems absent. It highlights a desperate yet hopeful act of seeking God's face with urgency and consistency, anticipating His presence and attention at the earliest possible moment, rather than hindering it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 88 is uniquely somber within the Psalter, often described as the darkest lament, concluding without the typical expressions of hope, resolution, or praise found in most other psalms of distress. Attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, one of King David's chief musicians, it plunges the reader into the depths of suffering, sickness, and spiritual isolation, portraying a soul on the brink of death and feeling abandoned by God and humanity. Within this unrelieved darkness, verse 13 emerges as a remarkable pivot, introduced by the adversative "But." It signifies that despite the profound and pervasive affliction described in the preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 88:3-9](/psalms/88-3 "Psalms 88:3-9 - The Psalmist's Deep Distress")), the psalmist's response is not to abandon faith but to intensify his cry to the LORD, demonstrating an extraordinary act of persistent devotion amidst utter hopelessness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Heman the Ezrahite is identified in [1 Chronicles 2:6](/1_chronicles/2-6 "1 Chronicles 2:6 - Heman's Genealogy") as a descendant of Judah and in [1 Chronicles 6:33](/1_chronicles/6-33 "1 Chronicles 6:33 - Heman, the Musician") as a Levite, a son of Joel, and one of the three chief musicians appointed by David, alongside Asaph and Ethan. While the specific historical circumstances of Heman's suffering are not detailed, the psalm's content suggests a profound personal crisis, possibly a severe illness, social ostracism, or spiritual desolation that brought him to the brink of death. The practice of "morning prayer" ("in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee") was a well-established custom in ancient Israel, signifying a prioritization of God at the start of the day, before daily tasks commenced. It reflected a cultural understanding that the dawn was a sacred time for devotion and seeking divine guidance, as seen in various biblical accounts of prayer and sacrifice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 88 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Persistent Supplication in Distress**. Even when surrounded by darkness, feeling abandoned, and experiencing no relief, the psalmist does not cease to pray. This embodies a deep-seated conviction that God remains the ultimate refuge, even when His response is not immediately perceived or when His presence feels distant, offering a profound example of [unwavering prayer](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow") in the face of despair. Secondly, it highlights the **Urgency and Priority of Prayer**. The phrase "in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee" emphasizes the psalmist's commitment to seek God first thing, signifying not merely an early start but an eager anticipation of God's readiness to hear, prioritizing communion with Him above all else. This reflects a desire to meet God at the very beginning of the day, before other concerns arise, echoing the practice of [Jesus himself](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in the Morning"). Finally, despite the psalmist's deep suffering and the absence of a clear resolution, the very act of crying out and anticipating God's attention testifies to a profound belief in **God's Accessibility**. It affirms that God is willing to hear and respond to His people, even if the answer is not immediate or what is expected, reinforcing the idea that the divine ear is always open to the cries of the afflicted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Hebrew, _shāwa'_):** This verb (שָׁוַע) specifically means "to cry for help," "to cry out for deliverance," or "to appeal for aid." It denotes a desperate and urgent plea, not merely a casual utterance. In the context of Psalm 88, it emphasizes the profound distress and helplessness of the psalmist, whose only recourse is to vociferously appeal to the LORD from the depths of his suffering. It signifies a profound reliance on God as the sole source of potential rescue.
* **prevent (Hebrew, _qādam'_):** The KJV translation "prevent" here is an archaic usage that can be misleading to modern readers. The Hebrew verb (קָדַם) literally means "to go before," "to meet," "to anticipate," or "to come to meet." It does not carry the modern English connotation of hindering or obstructing. Instead, it conveys the idea that the psalmist's prayer will *precede* God, or *anticipate* God's time of hearing. It emphasizes the psalmist's initiative, eagerness, and diligence in seeking God at the earliest possible moment, often at dawn, before God even "arises" to hear. It speaks to a proactive and expectant approach to prayer.
* **morning (Hebrew, _bōqer'_):** This noun (בֹּקֶר) refers to the dawn or early morning. Its inclusion is significant culturally and spiritually. In ancient Israel, the morning was often considered a sacred time for prayer, sacrifice, and seeking divine counsel, symbolizing a fresh start and the dedication of the day's firstfruits to God. The psalmist's commitment to pray "in the morning" underscores the priority and intentionality of his communion with God, making it the first and most important act of his day, regardless of his overwhelming circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But unto thee have I cried, O LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes a direct, personal, and urgent address to God (YHWH). The "But" serves as a powerful contrast to the preceding verses of profound despair and abandonment, indicating that despite all the suffering and feeling forsaken, the psalmist's ultimate response is to turn to God. The act of "crying" (from _shāwa'_) signifies a desperate, heartfelt plea for help, acknowledging God as the only one capable of intervening in his dire situation. It reveals an unwavering, though perhaps strained, faith in God's sovereignty and hearing ear.
* **"and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee":** This second clause specifies the timing and nature of the psalmist's ongoing prayer. The phrase "in the morning" highlights the psalmist's commitment to consistent, prioritized prayer, making it the very first act of his day. The crucial word "prevent" (from _qādam_) conveys the psalmist's eager anticipation and initiative: his prayer will "go before" God, "meet" God, or "anticipate" God's attention. It implies a diligent and proactive seeking of God's presence, almost as if the psalmist is rising early to ensure his petition is the first thing God encounters, demonstrating a profound expectation that God is accessible and ready to hear.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 88:13 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, introduced by the conjunction "But." This word sharply juxtaposes the psalmist's unwavering act of prayer with the overwhelming and unrelieved despair described throughout the rest of the psalm. It highlights a flicker of persistent faith in the midst of utter darkness, making the act of crying out all the more poignant and powerful. There is also an element of **Anticipation** or **Prolepsis** in the phrase "my prayer shall prevent thee," where the psalmist's prayer is depicted as actively going ahead to meet God, demonstrating a forward-looking and expectant posture despite the current bleak reality. This active "going before" also functions as **Personification**, as the prayer itself is given the agency to "prevent" or "go before" God, emphasizing its potency and the psalmist's earnestness. Finally, the entire verse is an example of **Supplication**, a direct and desperate plea to God, which is the defining characteristic of the lament genre to which Psalm 88 belongs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 88:13 offers profound theological insights into the nature of prayer, divine accessibility, and human perseverance in suffering. It challenges the common misconception that prayer is only effective when immediate answers or comfort are received. Instead, it champions the inherent value of persistent, desperate supplication, even when God's presence feels distant or His response is withheld. The psalmist's unwavering commitment to cry out to YHWH, particularly in the morning, underscores a deep-seated belief in God's ultimate sovereignty and His attentiveness to the cries of His people, regardless of the perceived outcome. This verse teaches that true faith is not contingent on favorable circumstances but is demonstrated in the continued act of bringing our brokenness and pain before the One who hears, trusting in His character even when His ways are inscrutable. It affirms that the very act of prayer is an act of faith, a refusal to surrender to despair, and a testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness.

* [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 88:13 stands as a powerful beacon for anyone navigating periods of deep personal trial, spiritual dryness, or profound feelings of isolation. It offers a counter-intuitive yet deeply biblical response to suffering: when hope seems lost and God feels silent, the faithful response is not to retreat from prayer but to lean into it with even greater intensity and consistency. The psalmist's commitment to "cry out" and for his "prayer to prevent" God in the morning reminds us of the profound spiritual discipline of prioritizing communion with the Divine at the very outset of our day. This practice sets a powerful precedent, affirming our absolute reliance on the LORD before we face the day's challenges, anxieties, or perceived absences of God. This verse teaches that faith is not merely about receiving answers, but about the unwavering act of bringing our deepest needs, our rawest emotions, and our most profound despair before the One who always hears, even when His presence feels distant or His silence deafening. It champions perseverance in prayer, regardless of the immediate outcome, encouraging us to maintain our spiritual discipline and trust in God's character even when His hand is not clearly seen.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's persistent prayer in the face of despair challenge my own approach to prayer during difficult times?**
* **What does "prevent" (in its original meaning of "anticipate" or "go before") teach me about the urgency and priority I should give to prayer in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more consistent practice of "morning prayer" or setting aside dedicated time to seek God first, even when I don't feel like it?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to continue crying out to God, even when I perceive His silence or when my circumstances offer no immediate hope?**

### FAQ
**What does "prevent" mean in Psalms 88:13, and why is it often misunderstood?**

Answer: In Psalms 88:13, the King James Version's use of "prevent" comes from the Hebrew verb *qādam* (קָדַם), which means "to go before," "to meet," or "to anticipate." It does not carry the modern English connotation of hindering or obstructing. The misunderstanding arises because the English word "prevent" has evolved significantly since the KJV was translated. In 1611, "prevent" could mean "to precede" or "to go before," which accurately reflects the Hebrew. Therefore, the phrase "my prayer shall prevent thee" means that the psalmist's prayer will "go before" God, "meet" God, or "anticipate" God's attention. It highlights the psalmist's eagerness and diligence in seeking God at the earliest possible moment, almost as if he is rising before dawn to ensure his petition is the first thing God encounters. This emphasizes the psalmist's initiative and proactive seeking of divine presence.

**Why is "morning prayer" emphasized in this verse and in ancient Israelite culture?**

Answer: The emphasis on "morning prayer" ("in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee") reflects a deeply ingrained cultural and spiritual practice in ancient Israel. The dawn was often considered a sacred time, symbolizing new beginnings, fresh mercies, and the dedication of the day's firstfruits to God. By engaging in prayer at the very start of the day, individuals would prioritize their relationship with God above all other concerns and activities. This practice is seen throughout the Scriptures, with figures like [Abraham](/genesis/19-27 "Genesis 19:27 - Abraham Rose Early"), [Moses](/exodus/34-4 "Exodus 34:4 - Moses Rose Early"), and [Jesus](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in the Morning") rising early to seek God. It signifies an intentional act of devotion, setting the spiritual tone for the entire day, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all time, and expressing a desire to meet with Him before the distractions and demands of the world arise.

**How does Psalms 88:13 offer hope or insight within what is often called the "darkest psalm"?**

Answer: While Psalm 88 is indeed unique for its unrelieved darkness and lack of a clear resolution of praise or deliverance, verse 13 offers a profound insight into the nature of resilient faith. The "But" at the beginning of the verse is crucial; it contrasts the psalmist's persistent act of prayer with the overwhelming despair and feeling of abandonment that permeates the rest of the psalm. This verse reveals that even when circumstances offer no immediate hope, when God feels silent, and when suffering is at its peak, the faithful response is to continue crying out to God. It's an act of profound trust, demonstrating that the psalmist's faith is not contingent on a perceived positive outcome or immediate comfort. Instead, it's a testament to the belief in God's enduring character and accessibility, even when His presence feels distant. Thus, Psalms 88:13 offers hope not in the promise of immediate relief, but in the unwavering act of bringing our brokenness before the One who hears, affirming that the very act of prayer is a powerful expression of faith and a refusal to succumb to utter despair.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 88:13, with its desperate cry and persistent anticipation of God's presence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's profound suffering and feeling of abandonment resonate with Christ's agony, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where [He cried out to His Father with earnest prayer](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42-44 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"), asking for the cup to pass, yet submitting to the divine will. Even on the cross, Jesus echoed the psalmist's cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Yet, just as the psalmist's prayer "prevented" God, anticipating His presence, Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection "prevented" our condemnation, going before us to secure our access to God. He is our great High Priest who [ever lives to make intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor"), constantly "preventing" the Father on our behalf, ensuring our prayers are heard and accepted. Through Christ, the persistent, desperate cries of believers are not merely heard but are presented to the Father by the one who himself endured the deepest darkness, making a way for us to [draw near with confidence to the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Access to God's Throne of Grace") "in the morning," or at any time, knowing that our ultimate Intercessor has gone before us.

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

Psalms 5:3

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Psalms 30:2

O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

Psalms 119:147

¶ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

Psalms 119:148

Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches, that I might meditate in thy word.