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Psalms Chapter 13 (JPS)

minutes - words.
Psalms 13: From Anguish to Trust
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1 For the Leader. A Psalm of David.

2 How long, O HaShem, wilt Thou forget me for ever? How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?

3 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart by day? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

4 Behold Thou, and answer me, O HaShem my G-d; lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

5 Lest mine enemy say: 'I have prevailed against him'; lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved.

6 But as for me, in Thy mercy do I trust; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto HaShem, because He hath dealt bountifully with me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the psalmist's complaint in Psalms 13?
He repeatedly asks 'how long' — how long God will forget him, hide his face, and let his enemy be exalted over him (v.1-2).
How does Psalms 13 shift in tone by its end?
Though it opens in despair, it turns to trust by verse 5, with the psalmist saying his heart 'shall rejoice in thy salvation' and promising to sing to the LORD for his goodness (v.5-6).
What does the psalmist ask God for in Psalms 13:3?
He asks God to 'lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death' (v.3), fearing his enemy will boast of prevailing over him if help doesn't come — a shift from lament to confidence similar to Isaiah 12:2.

Today's Verse

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

Mark 1:20 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

In its final two verses the tone turns completely, as David declares he has trusted in God's mercy and will sing to the LORD, a shift toward praise also seen in Isaiah 12:2, leading into Psalms 14.