Psalm 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist cries out to Yahweh, questioning how long He will forget him and hide His face (vv. 1-2). He feels constant sorrow and is troubled by his enemy's triumph over him. In his plea for help, he asks Yahweh to answer him and give light to his eyes, fearing death and the victory of his adversaries (vv. 3-4). The tone shifts as the psalmist expresses trust in Yahweh's loving kindness and rejoices in His salvation. He resolves to sing to Yahweh for His goodness (vv. 5-6).

Key verse

“But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation.”
Psalms 13:5 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 13:1–2 Cry of Abandonment
Psalm 13:3–4 Plea for Help
Psalm 13:5–6 Shift to Trust and Praise

Discussion questions

In v1, what does David mean by 'hide your face'?
In v2, who is the 'enemy' David refers to in his lament?
David expresses sorrow in v2: how does this connect to his plea for help?
In v5, what does David mean by 'trust in your loving kindness'?
When has your heart felt heavy, like David’s in v2, causing you to cry out?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 13: Psalm 33, Psalm 119, Psalm 51.

Before next time: read Psalm 14.