How Long, O Lord, a psalm by David
My prediction is that it will be about David pleading to the Lord for patience to endure--that he longs for God to avenge his enemies.
Paraphrase
v 1 Interrogatives--David asks God how long will he forget him, hiding his face from him.
v 2 More Interrogatives--How long must David struggle with sorrow in his heart? How long will his enemy flourish?
v 3 Shift to Imperative--David asks God to consider and hear him, to clear his vision so that he doesn't die (or become hopelessly discouraged?)
v 4 Or his enemy will think he's won and rejoice in their victory.
v 5 But David trusts in God's mercy and his heart will have joy in his salvation.
v 6 He will sing to God because God has been good to him.
David uses a question and answer format to create a dialogue with himself and the listener. There are two shifts in the psalm. 3 shifts from general interrogative questions to imperative pleas to God. Then v 5 shifts to David expressing his confidence in God despite his circumstances.
Attitude/Tone
His tone is questioning, imploring, and faith-filled as he progresses through the psalm.
Shifts & Title
Covered above--nothing new
Theme
One theme is the struggle of hope over despair as David sets his immediate frustration and fears up against God's faithfulness in eternity. He longs for God to be actively involved on his behalf in the present moment to counter his despair and his enemy's arrogance.
Personal Thoughts:
David's sifting of emotions is highly relatable. It's good to know that one of God's chosen struggled with enemies, fear, and depression.
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