Friday, August 19, 2022

Seder 113: Psalm 13---"How Long, O Lord?"

 In the midst of a severe trial, the psalmist asks, "How long, O Lord?  Will you forget me forever?" (Ps 13:1).  It seems that God has "hidden his face," the opposite of the "shining face" of the Aaronic blessing.  He longs for the protection, grace, and peace of Num 6:25-26.    

He asks "how long?" four times in verses 1-2.  Midrash Psalms matches these four "how longs" with four times when God asked the Israelites how long they would continue in disobedience to him---two in Num 14:11, one in Num 14:27, and one in Ezek 16;28.  It also matches the four "how longs" with the four kingdoms of Daniel 7 and says that Israelites asked "how long" when they were being oppressed by these four kingdoms.

These midrashim are hinting that the delay in God's response may be the result of sin, and perhaps it is this possibility that has the psalmist "taking counsel in his soul" to find places where he may have fallen short.

As the trial continues, he prays that God will "consider" him favorably and answer him, which will bring light to his eyes (v 3).  This is for the sake of God's reputation.  If God does not intervene, the enemy will conclude that God lacks power or is not faithful (v 4).  Moses prayed this kind of prayer in Num 14:15-16.  

The psalmist is not overcome with despair, but trusts God.  He anticipates praising God in song when God intervenes on his behalf (vv 5-6).  The psalm shows a transition from despair to quiet trust.

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