The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1

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

How 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 forgotten him "for ever."

How long wilt then hide thy face from me! (comp. Psalms 30:7; Isaiah 1:15; Ezekiel 39:29). The "light of God's countenance" shining on us is the greatest blessing that we know (see Psalms 4:6; Psalms 31:18; Psalms 44:4; Psalms 67:1; Psalms 80:3, Psalms 80:7.

etc.). When it is withdrawn, and he "hides his face," we naturally sink into despair.

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 13:1-6Psalms 13:1-6 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryGod sometimes hides his face, and leaves his own children in the dark concerning their interest in him: and this they lay to heart more than any outward trouble whatever. But anxious cares are heavy burdens with which b…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6Psalms 13:1-6 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION 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 (Psalms 13:1); it seems to him…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6Psalms 13:1-6 · The Pulpit CommentarySorrow and trust; sighing and song. This is one of those numerous psalms which come under the first division specified in our introductory homily. It belongs to those which give us an insight into the religious experien…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6Psalms 13:1-6 · The Pulpit CommentaryFrom despondency to peace. The soul may pass quickly from one emotion to another—from fear to hope, from the gloom of despondency to the brightness of peace. Such a change finds expression in this psalm. I. THE CRY. (Ps…The Pulpit Commentary on 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6Psalms 13:1-6 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe agony of desertion. Probably a psalm of David, composed at the time of Saul's persecution. It expresses the agony of a mind that thinks itself deserted of God, in danger of death, and threatened by a formidable enem…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 13:1-6God sometimes hides his face, and leaves his own children in the dark concerning their interest in him: and this they lay to heart more than any outward trouble whatever. But anxious cares are heavy burdens with which b…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6From despondency to peace. The soul may pass quickly from one emotion to another—from fear to hope, from the gloom of despondency to the brightness of peace. Such a change finds expression in this psalm. I. THE CRY. (Ps…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1God'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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6EXPOSITION 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 (Psalms 13:1); it seems to him…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6The agony of desertion. Probably a psalm of David, composed at the time of Saul's persecution. It expresses the agony of a mind that thinks itself deserted of God, in danger of death, and threatened by a formidable enem…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 13:1-6Sorrow and trust; sighing and song. This is one of those numerous psalms which come under the first division specified in our introductory homily. It belongs to those which give us an insight into the religious experien…Joseph S. Exell and contributors