Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 13

How long?: Repeating the question four times shows intense worry and deep pain (Psalm 79:5).

The psalmist’s loud cry for help becomes a confident song of hope.

A feeling of deep sadness and pain can make it hard to see any hope (Psalm 6:3). Without God’s answer to his prayers (Psalm 22:1), death seems unavoidable, painful, and slow (Psalms 6:6; 32:3; 55:4; 61:2; 102:5; 116:3). The psalmist struggles to pray and longs for God's redemption (Psalms 25:17–18; 31:10; 38:8; 39:2).

Only the Lord can provide understanding and comfort. The psalmist hopes for the Lord's justice so his enemies will not celebrate.

The psalmist's suffering feels like death (Psalms 22:15; 55:4; 88:15; 94:17; 116:3).

The psalmist no longer hears the mockery of his enemies. Instead, he feels joyful because he trusts in the Lord.