Psalms 9:13

KJV

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble [which I suffer] of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:

KJV (with Strong's)

Have mercy {H2603} upon me, O LORD {H3068}; consider {H7200} my trouble {H6040} which I suffer of them that hate {H8130} me, thou that liftest me up {H7311} from the gates {H8179} of death {H4194}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Have mercy on me, ADONAI! See how I suffer from those who hate me; you raise me from the gates of death,

Berean Standard Bible

Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death,

American Standard Version

Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah; Behold my affliction which I suffer of them that hate me, Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 9:13 is a fervent and personal plea from the psalmist to God, expressing a desperate need for divine compassion and intervention in the face of severe affliction caused by adversaries. It encapsulates a profound trust in God's unique power to deliver from the direst peril, even the very brink of death, underscoring His role as the ultimate rescuer and sustainer of life. This verse serves as a pivot point in the psalm, moving from general praise for God's justice to a specific petition for personal deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 9 is a composite psalm, often paired with Psalm 10, forming an acrostic (though imperfectly preserved in the Masoretic Text). It begins with exuberant praise and thanksgiving for God's past judgments and righteous rule over the nations, celebrating His justice and vindication of the oppressed ([Psalm 9:1-12](/psalms/9-1 "Psalm 9:1-12 - Praise for God's Justice")). Verse 13 marks a distinct and significant shift from declarative praise to urgent petition, transitioning from a celebration of God's universal justice to a personal cry for help in a specific, present crisis. This verse acts as a bridge, grounding the psalmist's current appeal in the remembered character and mighty acts of God previously extolled. The lament here anticipates the more extended laments found in subsequent psalms, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between praise, trust, and petition within the Psalter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes this psalm to David, placing it possibly during a period of conflict or persecution (e.g., his flight from Saul or Absalom), the specific historical backdrop is not explicitly detailed. The language of "them that hate me" and "gates of death" reflects the common experience of ancient Israelite leaders and individuals facing external enemies or internal adversaries. The "gates of death" (Hebrew: *sha'arei mavet*) is a vivid poetic metaphor, common in ancient Near Eastern thought, symbolizing the threshold of the underworld (Sheol) or the deepest possible peril, not a literal architectural feature. The plea for mercy (*ḥānan*) was a standard form of petition to a king or deity, acknowledging their sovereign power and the petitioner's complete dependence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalms. Firstly, it highlights the **reality of suffering and oppression** faced by the righteous, often at the hands of malevolent adversaries, a recurring motif seen in psalms like [Psalm 3](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom") and [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies"). Secondly, it underscores the **centrality of divine mercy and compassion** (*ḥesed*) as the sole source of deliverance, a theme echoed in countless prayers for help, such as [Psalm 51:1](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1 - David's Prayer for Mercy"). Thirdly, it powerfully affirms God's **sovereignty over life and death**, portraying Him as the ultimate deliverer who can rescue from the most extreme danger, even the very "gates of death," a concept also explored in [Psalm 107:18-20](/psalms/107-18 "Psalm 107:18-20 - Deliverance from Death"). Finally, it demonstrates the **intertwined nature of lament and trust**, where the psalmist's desperate cry is simultaneously an act of profound faith in God's unfailing power and character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥānan'_):** This verb signifies to show favor, be gracious, or have compassion. It implies a free, unmerited act of kindness from a superior to an inferior, often in response to a plea. It is not about justice, but about a benevolent inclination to help someone in distress, highlighting the psalmist's complete dependence on God's unearned favor rather than any claim of merit.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _‘ōni'_):** This noun denotes affliction, misery, or oppression. It refers to a state of suffering, often caused by external pressures or enemies. The psalmist is not merely experiencing discomfort but profound distress, indicating a deep level of hardship and pain inflicted by "them that hate me."
* **Gates of Death (Hebrew, _sha‘arei māwet'_):** This is a powerful poetic idiom. "Gates" (*sha‘ar*) in ancient Near Eastern cities were points of entry, exit, and judgment. Associating them with "death" (*māwet*) vividly portrays the threshold of the underworld (Sheol) or a state of extreme peril from which escape seems impossible. To be "lifted up" from these gates signifies a miraculous rescue from mortal danger, a reversal of an otherwise inevitable descent into destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have mercy upon me, O LORD;":** This opening imperative is a direct, urgent, and personal plea for God's compassionate intervention. The psalmist acknowledges God's sovereignty and his own desperate need for divine favor, appealing not to justice but to God's character as a gracious deliverer. It sets the tone of humble dependence.
* **"consider my trouble [which I suffer] of them that hate me,":** The psalmist specifies the nature and source of his distress. "Consider" (*ra'ah*) means to see, look upon, or pay attention to, implying a request for God to actively acknowledge and respond to his plight. The "trouble" is explicitly caused by "them that hate me," highlighting the reality of malicious human opposition as the immediate cause of his suffering.
* **"thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:":** This clause shifts from petition to an affirmation of God's character and power, providing the ground for the psalmist's hope. "Thou that liftest me up" (*mərōməmî*) describes God as the one who elevates, raises up, or restores. The "gates of death" represent the most extreme danger, the very brink of destruction or the realm of the dead. The psalmist appeals to God based on His proven or perceived ability to rescue from such ultimate peril, implying a past experience of deliverance or a deep-seated faith in God's capacity to do so.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Apostrophe** is evident in the direct address to "O LORD," creating an intimate and personal appeal. The phrase "gates of death" is a striking example of **metaphor**, vividly symbolizing the threshold of the underworld or a state of extreme, life-threatening peril. This **poetic imagery** evokes a sense of profound danger and the miraculous nature of God's deliverance. The psalmist's plea also functions as a **synecdoche**, where "trouble" represents the entire complex of physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering inflicted by his adversaries. Furthermore, the structure moves from a direct plea ("Have mercy") to an appeal based on God's character and power ("thou that liftest me up"), demonstrating a rhetorical shift that reinforces the psalmist's faith even in dire circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 9:13 stands as a profound testament to the human experience of suffering and the divine attribute of mercy. It articulates a fundamental theological truth: God is not distant from human pain but is intimately involved, hearing the cries of the afflicted and possessing the power to deliver even from the most desperate situations. The psalmist's appeal for mercy (*ḥānan*) is rooted in the understanding of God's covenantal faithfulness and His character as a compassionate rescuer, a theme deeply woven into the fabric of Israelite theology. This verse underscores that true hope in distress is found not in human strength or strategy, but in humble dependence on the sovereign Lord who alone can reverse the course of death and despair.

* [Psalm 51:1](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1 - David's Prayer for Mercy")
* [Psalm 107:18-20](/psalms/107-18 "Psalm 107:18-20 - Deliverance from the Gates of Death")
* [Jonah 2:6](/jonah/2-6 "Jonah 2:6 - Deliverance from the Pit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 9:13 offers a timeless template for prayer in the midst of adversity, reminding believers that it is not only permissible but essential to bring our deepest troubles and the pain caused by others directly to the Lord. This verse encourages us to articulate our suffering honestly before God, trusting that He sees, hears, and cares. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that acknowledges God's ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances, even when we feel overwhelmed or "at the gates of death" – whether literally facing mortal danger, or metaphorically struggling with profound despair, chronic illness, or relentless opposition. Our hope is anchored in God's character as the merciful One who lifts up the afflicted, demonstrating His power to rescue, restore, and preserve life against all odds. This psalm invites us to move beyond mere resignation to active, hopeful petition, knowing that our ultimate deliverance and vindication come from the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "troubles" or "hatred" do you currently face that you need to bring before the Lord with an honest plea for mercy?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "lifting you up from the gates of death," whether literally or metaphorically, in your life?**
* **How does the psalmist's confidence in God's power to deliver from ultimate peril strengthen your own faith in difficult times?**

### FAQ
**What does "gates of death" literally mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "gates of death" (Hebrew: *sha‘arei māwet*) is not a literal architectural feature but a powerful poetic metaphor. In ancient Near Eastern thought, city gates were points of entry and exit, often associated with power, judgment, and control. When linked with "death" (*māwet*), it symbolizes the threshold or entrance to Sheol, the realm of the dead, or the deepest possible state of peril and destruction. It signifies a situation from which there is seemingly no escape, a point of no return. Therefore, to be "lifted up from the gates of death" means to be miraculously rescued from mortal danger or an otherwise inevitable descent into destruction. It emphasizes God's absolute power over life and death, and His unique ability to reverse what appears to be a final, fatal outcome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 9:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry for mercy from the "gates of death" foreshadows the ultimate human experience of death and resurrection, which Christ fully embraced. Jesus, the perfect Man, truly suffered the hatred of His adversaries, enduring unimaginable "trouble" that led Him to the cross, the very threshold of death. Yet, in His resurrection, God "lifted Him up from the gates of death" in the most literal and triumphant sense, conquering sin and death once and for all ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death")). His victory over death means that all who believe in Him can now appeal for mercy with the assurance that He has disarmed the power of the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory over Death")). Furthermore, Christ Himself, as our Great High Priest, intercedes for us, having experienced our troubles and understanding our pleas for mercy ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Thus, the psalmist's ancient cry becomes a vibrant prayer of hope for all believers, knowing that in Christ, the "gates of hell shall not prevail" against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")), and He is indeed the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death")).

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 86:13

For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

Psalms 30:3

O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Psalms 142:6

Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Psalms 25:19

Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

Lamentations 1:9

Her filthiness [is] in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified [himself].

Psalms 56:13

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Psalms 116:3

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.