The Righteous One’s, “Lord, how long?”

David began by bemoaning God’s absence when he was under duress from his enemies. He beseeched God not to delay, and complained that it was taking its toll upon him. Yet once again faith surges, and he remembers that God is merciful, and that his salvation is still a cause of rejoicing. Hence, he could compose and sing this psalm because of God’s bounty.

Pastor Jeff O’ Neil

Psalm 13

¹How long wilt thou forget me, LORD?
Shall it for ever be?
O how long shall it be that thou
Wilt hide thy face from me?

²How long take counsel in my soul,
Still sad in heart, shall I?
How long exalted over me
Shall be mine enemy?

³O LORD my God, consider well,
And answer to me make:
Mine eyes enlighten, lest the sleep
Of death me overtake:

⁴Lest that mine enemy should say,
Against him I prevail’d;
And those that trouble me rejoice,
When I am mov’d and fail’d.

⁵But I have all my confidence
Thy mercy set upon;
My heart within me shall rejoice
In thy salvation.

⁶I will unto the LORD my God
Sing praises cheerfully,
Because he hath his bounty shown
To me abundantly.