Psalm 13
Benson Commentary
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
Psalm 13:1-2. How long wilt thou forget — That is, neglect or disregard; me, O Lord? for ever? — Shall it be during my whole life? How long wilt thou hide thy face? — Withdraw thy favour and assistance? How long shall I take counsel, &c. — How long shall I be in such perplexities and anxieties of mind, not knowing what course to take, nor how to get out of my troubles?

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Psalm 13:3-5. Lighten mine eyes — Because I find my own counsels insufficient, do thou enlighten my mind, and guide me by thy counsel into the right way of obtaining thy merciful help. Or, he means, Do thou revive, and comfort, and deliver me from the darkness of death, which is ready to come upon me, and to close mine eyes. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him — Namely, by my art or strength; which will reflect dishonour on thee, as if thou wert either unfaithful and unmindful of thy promises, or unable to fulfil them. Therefore prevent, or repress this their arrogance and blasphemy, and maintain thine own honour. I have trusted in thy mercy — Neither their threats and boastings, nor my own dangers, shall shake my confidence in thy mercy promised to me.

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:6. He hath dealt bountifully with me — Either, 1st, In giving me that support and assurance of his favour which I enjoy at the present; or 2d, In giving me gracious promises of the deliverance and help which I expect; it being a common thing for David and other prophets to speak of future deliverances as if they were really come, that so they might signify both the infallible certainty of the thing and their firm assurance thereof.

Benson Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.

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