DiscipleDeck
Get started
Bible Commentary

Psalms 13:1-6

Psalms 13:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

EXPOSITION

THE writer—again, according to the title, David—is reduced almost to utter despair. He has undergone lengthened persecution—the Divine countenance has been turned away from him (); it seems to him that God has altogether forgotten him; he is in extreme perplexity and distress (), and raises the cry—so often raised by sufferers (; ; ; ; , ; ; )—"How long?" This cry he repeats four times (, ). He does not, however, quite despair. In he passes from protest to prayer; and in , he proceeds from prayer to praise, having (apparently) through his prayer received an internal assurance of God's help. The tone suits the time when he was "hunted in the mountains" by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20).

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotionalSave my progress

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 13:1-6

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 13 — OverviewPsalms 13 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis psalm is the deserted soul's case and cure. Whether it was penned upon any particular occasion does not appear, but in general, I. David sadly complains that God had long withdrawn from him and delayed to…Psalms 13 — OverviewPsalms 13 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 13:1, David complains of delay; Psalms 13:3, He prays for preventing grace; Psalms 13:5, He boasts of divine mercy.Psalms 13 — OverviewPsalms 13 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTo the chief Musician, a Psalm of David. According to Theodoret this psalm was written by David, not when he fled from Saul, but from Absalom; and gives this reason for it, what happened to him from Saul was before his…Psalms 13:1-6Psalms 13:1-6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid, in affliction, is here pouring out his soul before God; his address is short, but the method is very observable, and of use for direction and encouragement. I. His troubles extort complaints (v. 1, 2); and…Psalms 13:1Psalms 13:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryHow long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? God cannot forget, but man often feels as if he were forgotten of him (comp. Psalms 42:9; Psalms 44:24; Lamentations 5:20). David seems to have feared that God had…Psalms 13:1Psalms 13:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryGod's averted face. The hiding of God's face is a sore trial to his people. If they did not love him, they could bear it; but as they love him so much, it is a great affliction. It may be said of such trials, that they…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Silent TeacherDoes it feel like God is ignoring your prayers? Remember this: The Teacher is always quiet during the test. He hasn't left the room; He's waiting to see your answer.DiscipleDeckcommentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.