Psalms 9:13
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
Original Language Analysis
חָֽנְנֵ֬נִי
Have mercy
H2603
חָֽנְנֵ֬נִי
Have mercy
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
יְהוָ֗ה
upon me O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
upon me O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רְאֵ֣ה
consider
H7200
רְאֵ֣ה
consider
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מְ֝רוֹמְמִ֗י
me thou that liftest me up
H7311
מְ֝רוֹמְמִ֗י
me thou that liftest me up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
6 of 8
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
City gates were places of judgment and transaction - death's gates represent the threshold between life and death. David's cry reflects many near-death experiences throughout his life. The pattern of crying for mercy while affirming God's past deliverances models faith-filled prayer. The church echoes this in persecution throughout history.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance honest admission of present trouble with confidence in God's delivering power?
- How has God lifted you from spiritual death's gates through Christ's resurrection?
Analysis & Commentary
David pleads for mercy in the midst of trouble from 'them that hate me.' The title 'thou that liftest me up from the gates of death' acknowledges God as deliverer from mortal danger. 'Gates of death' (Hebrew 'sha'ar mavet') represents the entry point to death/Sheol. This combination of present suffering and confidence in divine deliverance shows biblical realism - trouble exists but God rescues. Christians see this ultimately in Christ's resurrection, lifting us from death's gates to eternal life.