David expresses a longing for God to intervene in the midst of personal anguish.
“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Ps. 13:1). David, who lived from around 1035 BC to 970 BC and served as king of Israel, begins this psalm with a cry of desperation. Throughout his life, David experienced many trials—threats from enemies, internal strife, and seasons of spiritual dryness. In this verse, his question “How long, O LORD?” reveals that he feels weighed down by an ongoing problem, and he wonders whether God has withdrawn His favor. This sense of wondering if God continues to remember His promises resonates with a heart struggling to find hope.
“Will You forget me forever?” (Ps. 13:1) points to David’s concern that perhaps God has set him aside. Although the question is poignant, it illustrates the depth of relationship David has with God: he feels free to be honest, even with his laments. The phrase “forget me forever” captures the painful feeling that David’s suffering might never end. However, this style of lament can often lead to renewed trust in God’s faithfulness. Jesus also expressed deep anguish on the cross (Matthew 27:46), echoing the way that David’s lament reveals both honest sorrow and an underlying dependence on God.
“How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Ps. 13:1) shows David’s perception that God’s presence is distant. In Hebrew thought, the shining of God’s face represents blessing and favor (Numbers 6:25). By asking how long God’s face will be hidden, David acknowledges his need for genuine help and divine rescue. Although the psalm begins in distress, it points us toward the reality that sincere questioning can lead to deeper faith. The cry of “How long?” reminds believers that even in moments of profound sorrow, they can reach out to God, trusting that He will eventually bring comfort.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 13:1 meaning
“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Ps. 13:1). David, who lived from around 1035 BC to 970 BC and served as king of Israel, begins this psalm with a cry of desperation. Throughout his life, David experienced many trials—threats from enemies, internal strife, and seasons of spiritual dryness. In this verse, his question “How long, O LORD?” reveals that he feels weighed down by an ongoing problem, and he wonders whether God has withdrawn His favor. This sense of wondering if God continues to remember His promises resonates with a heart struggling to find hope.
“Will You forget me forever?” (Ps. 13:1) points to David’s concern that perhaps God has set him aside. Although the question is poignant, it illustrates the depth of relationship David has with God: he feels free to be honest, even with his laments. The phrase “forget me forever” captures the painful feeling that David’s suffering might never end. However, this style of lament can often lead to renewed trust in God’s faithfulness. Jesus also expressed deep anguish on the cross (Matthew 27:46), echoing the way that David’s lament reveals both honest sorrow and an underlying dependence on God.
“How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Ps. 13:1) shows David’s perception that God’s presence is distant. In Hebrew thought, the shining of God’s face represents blessing and favor (Numbers 6:25). By asking how long God’s face will be hidden, David acknowledges his need for genuine help and divine rescue. Although the psalm begins in distress, it points us toward the reality that sincere questioning can lead to deeper faith. The cry of “How long?” reminds believers that even in moments of profound sorrow, they can reach out to God, trusting that He will eventually bring comfort.