Psalms 39:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 39:13
13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Chapter Context
Psalms 39 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, wisdom. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 39:13
13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Analysis
O spare me, that I may recover strength (הָשַׁע מִמֶּנִּי וְאַבְלִיגָה, hasha' mimmenni ve-avligah)—Sha'a means gaze away, look away; balag means brighten up, be cheerful, recover. Before I go hence, and be no more (בְּטֶרֶם אֵלֵךְ וְאֵינֶנִּי, be-terem elekh ve-einenni)—Terem means before; einenni means I will be no more.
Psalm 39 wrestles with life's brevity and divine discipline. David asked, "How long do I have?" (v. 4), confessed sin (vv. 8, 11), and now pleads for momentary relief before death. This isn't a request to avoid God forever, but for temporary respite—a chance to breathe before dying. Job 7:19 and 10:20 echo this plea. It expresses raw humanity: "I'm not ready to die; grant me a moment." God honors such honesty.
Historical Context
Psalm 39 was written during severe illness or divine chastening, when David felt death approaching. Ancient Israelites had limited revelation about afterlife compared to New Testament believers, making death seem like total cessation of relationship with God—"Sheol" was shadowy existence, not conscious fellowship.
Reflection
- How does this verse model honest, almost desperate prayer rather than pious platitudes?
- What does it mean to ask God to "look away" temporarily, trusting his ultimate gaze is merciful?
- How does Christ's resurrection transform the fear of "being no more" that David expressed?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 5:24, 42:36, Job 7:19