Old Testament
Psalms 13
Overview
Psalm 13 is a brief but intense individual lament that moves from anguished questioning to settled trust in just six verses. Four times David cries "How long?" — feeling forgotten by God, sorrowful in soul, and threatened by an exalting enemy. Yet the psalm pivots decisively: he chooses to trust in God's steadfast love, and ends rejoicing and singing because the LORD has dealt bountifully with him.
1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?
3Behold, and answer me, Yahweh, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
4lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him;” lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.
5But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation.
6I will sing to Yahweh, because he has been good to me.