Psalm 13:3
ESV
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
NIV
Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
NASB
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
CSB
Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.
NLT
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
KJV
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
NKJV
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
What does Psalm 13:3 mean?
As part of his heartfelt cry of confusion and pain (Psalm 13:1–2), David pleads with God for an answer. David is not only asking for a resolution to his struggles, but an explanation.Part of David's struggle is his effort to make right decisions, especially in the face of a powerful enemy (Psalm 13:2). He asks the Lord to light up his eyes. In Hebrew thinking, light was the embodiment of wisdom, truth, and goodness. David is asking God to grant him a proper perspective on his troubling situation. James 1:5 directs believers to pray for wisdom when facing trials (James 1:2–8).
David also longs for encouragement. He seems resigned to death and defeat unless God intervenes. Many of the threats David faced in his life were lethal, including those from men like King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2). Fear of death was not an exaggerated reaction, but a very real concern.
The apostle Paul must have felt discouraged when he asked the Lord three times to remove his "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7–8), but the Lord did not remove it. Instead, He told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9). No trial can overwhelm the believer who draws encouragement by relying on God's all-sufficient grace. David, as well, retains his trust in God despite these hard circumstances (Psalm 13:5–6).
Psalm 13:1–4 exposed David's sorrow and doubt. These are not uncommon emotions, and Scripture includes moments when believers cry out to God in their confusion. In this situation, David feels the Lord has forgotten him and turned His face away. He asks the Lord how long he must struggle, seemingly alone. He asks why he is suffering this danger, and this pressure, and when his enemy will finally be defeated. He is concerned that his enemy will claim the victory over him. Though David is confused and frustrated, he does not turn away from God, as the last verses show (Psalm 13:5–6).
Perhaps facing the overwhelming prospect of a murderous king (1 Samuel 19:1–2), David cries to God in frustration. In his circumstances, he feels abandoned and unloved. He begs God to consider his situation and answer him. David is not merely asking for help; he is asking for an explanation. Despite his confusion, David continues to trust in God and does so confidently. Because God has proven Himself already, David chooses faith in the Lord.
