Nations Day 4 Black Sister In The South: Digging Deeper
May 13, 2021
Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
Psalm 13
The Original Intent
1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?
Bible scholars differ on the scriptural validity of the title of some of the psalms. But since the text has been preserved by the Jewish scribes and Christ’s Church through the ages, it is compelling evidence that the attribution (here, “A Psalm of David”) at the beginning of many of the psalms is valid. Because of this, I consider Psalm 13 to be a song of David, the shepherd-turned-king. (1 Samuel 16)
His rhetorical but critical question, “How long?”, is repeated four times. It does not take an aged Bible scholar to understand the emotion signified by the question. One commentator used the word “disorientation” to describe David’s pain. (studylight.org)
If you have been in an automobile full of kids for an extended period, you have likely heard the question “how long?” The question implies a lack of patience and a frustration that the current situation is lasting too long. David described the wait as feeling like “forever.”
Bible commentator, Bob Utley, explains that the repetitive question is “a literary way of expressing the psalmist’s frustration at his current circumstances. He felt abandoned. Grammatically, the word ‘forever’ is considered to be hyperbolic, expressing the psalmist’s feelings of being permanently abandoned by God.” (Bible.org)
Maybe David recalled the agony of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25) as they waited for God to answer them. Or he possibly rehearsed the story of Joseph in prison, awaiting God’s rescue. (Genesis 40:20-23) Whatever was on David’s mind, his situation was troubling as he was tempted to doubt God’s rescue. His misery had led him to be agonizingly anxious every single day he lived.
The Everyday Application
1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?
When I think about David’s question, I automatically recognize his angst. When I’m delighting in something, I don’t usually wonder to myself, “how much longer will this take?”. When my grandkids are playing outside and enjoying themselves in the water sprinkler, they don’t ask me “how much longer will this take, Mama Mel?”. Typically, asking “how long?” demonstrates an impatience in a difficult situation.
The question itself often signifies that something is amiss and unpleasant. That is exactly how David must have felt. We know the Lord never forgets us. His memory does not slip. But Sister, we have known the sting of feeling abandoned by God. We may have posted His promises on notecards on our fridge or bathroom mirror, but somehow, they do not feel real or sure.
The longing for relief is at the very surface of our souls and in our misery, we plead with God, How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?. In his honesty, David cries out to God. It is best for us to be honest with God, too. Confessing our agony is good for our souls and helps us recognize our need for God’s mercy and nearness.
The Original Intent
2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)
Psalms 12 and 13 are not placed in any kind of order of each other that is evident, but there are some comparisons to make. Both are designated as David’s psalms; they are to be used by the music/choir director; and both are characterized by lament. The noticeable difference is the scope of the lament.
While chapter 12 signifies a national lament, chapter 13 is a personal lament of David. He is expressing his intimate feelings of abandonment due to his enemies’ pursuit. We know from Old Testament history that David had enemies: as a young boy he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41-50), then Saul (1 Samuel 23:24-29) and Absalom (2 Samuel 15:10-14). There were other foreign kings he had defeated (1 Chronicles 11) that could have been pursuing him.
As he thinks out loud about his situation, he petitions God. It almost seems like David is making a demanding request. He wants God’s attention! He wants to be seen by God as he is hiding from his enemies. The NET translates verse 3 with three imperatives, Look at me, answer me, and revive me.
What is interesting is that David does not ask the Lord to give him something tangible. His request is for strength in his soul. In the Hebrew text, verse 3 is literally “Give light [to] my eyes.” David envisions himself on the brink of death. His eyes are darkening, and if God does not restore brightness to him, he feels like he will “sleep in death”. (netbible.org)
Also troubling David is the fact that his enemies are often the enemies of God. It is likely that David is defending God’s reputation as well as his own. He does not want them to feel like they have triumphed over God!
The Everyday Application
2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)
Did you notice God does not interrupt David’s prayer?! How significant it is that God would permit David to bring his complaining to Him. God patiently waited as David processed his feelings.
I am so thankful my Father knows about my human tendencies to falter and doubt amid trials. He is able to lovingly listen and hear my cries without reacting in anger. Even though the Lord is not obligated to wait, it is in His character to do so.
Friend, if you are in a relationship with the God of the universe through Jesus Christ, you can rest assured He is able to hear your complaints and is willing to wait on you to realize Who He is. He cares for you and desires to support and sustain you through your suffering. (1 Peter 5:6-10)
Coming boldly to God in your pain does not frighten or disturb Him. Being honest with Him does not push Him away. Whatever has come into your life that has brought you misery, it is not a reason to distance yourself from God.
Call to Him, dear Sister. He knows your pain, but He is not bothered by you rehearsing it to Him. Often, telling God the truth about your feelings is just what you need to find healing in your soul.
The Original Intent
3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)
Verse 5 contains transitional wording that often occurs in David’s songs as he considers his God, “But I have trusted …”. In contrast to those who will rejoice when David is defeated, he rejoices in God and trusts in His love and deliverance.
David was teetering on despair, but ultimately he preaches to himself and declares his faith in the Lord’s deliverance. He specifically trusts in the Lord’s faithful love. Hebrew scholars have often debated the meaning of the word “hesed” (חֶסֶד) in the Hebrew Bible.
It is difficult to translate into English because it has no exact equivalent. Scholars explain that the full meaning of the word cannot be conveyed by a simple word or phrase. (bible-researcher.com) Interestingly, the verb form of “rejoice” is jussive, meaning that David is continuing with petition to God.
As he has previously done, he makes his request to God by talking to his own heart. It is as if David is saying to himself, “Soul, trust in God. You know His love is faithful. He is The Deliverer, and I will rejoice in Him.” Declaring this truth leads David to break out in a song of praise and worship to the Lord, YHWH.
The Everyday Application
3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)
God always knows what is good, even best, for our lives. He will not always answer as we desire, but He will respond with His presence and mercy. Even when David was searching for a seemingly distant God, he chose to preach to his soul. (verses 5-6) We would do well to do the same. Then maybe we will break out in song too!
Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
For Christ’s coming kingdom are you sighing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that’s well known.
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
(Tell it to Jesus by Edmund S Lorenz)
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