Psalms 88:13

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 88:13 expresses the psalmist's unwavering commitment to prayer, even amidst profound despair. The verse reads, "But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee." It captures a poignant act of faith and persistence, highlighting the urgency and consistency of seeking God's face.

Context

Psalm 88 stands unique in the Psalter as perhaps the darkest and most unrelieved lament. Attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, one of King David's chief musicians, this psalm is a cry from the depths of overwhelming affliction, sickness, and spiritual isolation. Unlike most laments, it concludes without a clear note of resolution, praise, or deliverance. Verse 13, therefore, shines as a beacon of persistent faith: despite the absence of comfort or hope, the psalmist continues to cry out to the LORD, anticipating His presence with diligent prayer.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Supplication in Distress: Even when surrounded by darkness and feeling abandoned, the psalmist does not cease to pray. This verse embodies a deep-seated conviction that God is the ultimate refuge, even when His response is not immediately perceived. It serves as a powerful example of persistent prayer in the face of despair.
  • Urgency and Priority of Prayer: The phrase "in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee" underscores the psalmist's commitment to seek God first thing. This signifies not just an early start, but an eager anticipation of God's readiness to hear, prioritizing communion with Him above all else. It reflects a desire to meet God at the very beginning of the day, before other concerns arise.
  • God's Accessibility: Despite the psalmist's deep suffering, the act of crying out and anticipating God's attention in the morning testifies to a belief in God's willingness to hear and respond to His people, even if the answer is not immediate or what is expected.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "prevent" in this verse is crucial for understanding its full meaning. It comes from the Hebrew verb qadam (קָדַם), which literally means "to go before," "to meet," or "to anticipate." 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 and eagerness to connect with God at the earliest possible moment, often at dawn, a common time for devotion in ancient Israel.

Practical Application

Psalms 88:13 offers profound encouragement for those enduring deep personal trials, spiritual dryness, or feelings of isolation. It reminds us that even when circumstances offer no immediate hope, and our prayers feel like a cry from the depths, the appropriate response is to continue crying out to God. Prioritizing morning prayer sets a powerful precedent for the day, affirming our reliance on the LORD before we face its challenges. This verse teaches us that faith is not just about receiving answers, but about the unwavering act of bringing our needs before the One who hears, even when His presence feels distant or silent. It champions perseverance in prayer, regardless of the outcome.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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