HOW LONG, OH YAHWEH?

Three weeks into the school lockdown, and on March 31, 2020, I started my class in OT 602: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Exegesis with these questions: What is your pain presently? At what stage are you in now in relation to COVID 19, which I shall name Ms. Corona—shock mode, denial, sinking in, embracing?

Some of the responses include the following: “Anxious, wondering when will the lockdown end.” “That it is taking time to resolve causes anxiety.” “Angry, robbed of normal life.” “Helpless, but hopeful.” “Worried for self and family.” “Conflicted whenever I see the news.” “My heart is torn.” “The virus is revealing all of what is inside of us—what is really in our heart.” “Concerned and worried when we go out to buy groceries.” “Unable to focus.” “Right now, I have hope. God can do it. As to when it will end, it depends on God’s timing.” “This is my second round of experience. The dilemma is for a moment. It will pass.” “We are under God’s wings, a safe place.”

It is important that for our healing, we are able to identify and express our feelings regarding Ms. Corona. This exactly was what the Psalmist did in Psalm 13. His individual lament was on account of a single individual, who caused him deep hurt and sorrow. It is possible that his “enemy” was someone close to him, most probably Saul or Absalom. For this reason, there is no indication of imprecation in Psalm 13. With it, David expressed his consternation, calculated requests, and commitments.

I. Consternation: How long, oh Yahweh? (1-2)

David started the Psalm by posting four questions to Yahweh. He started each with the phrase, how long (Heb.‘ad ’anah, lit. until when)? For how long will the Yahweh ignore (Heb. shakach-forget, forsake, ignore) the Psalmist? Until when will Yahweh “hide his face?” In Old Testament times, when God is perceived to have “hidden his face,” this means that God withdrew His presence and so His favor and blessings. How long will the Psalmist give counsel to himself for his heart is laden with grief (Heb. yagon-sorrow, grief) daily? Until when will his enemy gloat over him?

The same phrase‘ad ’anah,, is used in the context of the Neo-Babylonian invasion in the time of Habakkuk (Hab 1:2). The prophet asked how long he would cry for help; but Yahweh does not intervene. He dreaded the impending invasion and destruction.

On the side of David, Psalm 13 is his personal lament to Yahweh on account of a person. One can sense the desperation in his words and voice. He wants to know how much longer he would wait for Yahweh to attend to him and thus end his misery.

Questions we asked: Three weeks into the lockdown, some of us wondered, how much longer will Ms. Corona stay? When will the Lord destroy it? Until when will the lockdown last? When can I get back to my normal life?

Those are valid questions that you and I can bring to the Lord and it is perfectly okay. None of these questions will surprise Him. Let us however, veer away from questioning His character and sovereignty, which may end up with a rebellious heart on to an eventual loss of faith. God forbid.

II. Calculated requests: Look with care and respond (3-4)

The Psalmist presented two requests, which in the Hebrew text are both in the imperative mood. First, that Yahweh will look with gracious care on David and respond to him. Second, Yahweh will give light to his eyes, lest he dies. David reminded God that when he is dead or defeated, that will give reason for his enemy to gloat over him.

Questions for thought: In what ways has Ms. Corona affected you? What negative feelings do you still have regarding this pandemic and the havoc it may have brought you? At what stage are you in presently? What are you doing to cope with the situation?

III. Commitments: I will trust, rejoice, and sing (5)

After acknowledging his feelings before Yahweh and making audacious requests, the Psalmist decided to move on and not stay depressed longer than necessary. He sought God. On account of the loving loyalty of Yahweh, the Psalmist resolved to:

A. Trust in Yahweh’s chesed or loving loyalty.

B. Rejoice in Yahweh’s anticipated deliverance.

C. Sing because Yahweh will graciously deal (Heb. gamal-deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen, cf. BDB) with and in time vindicate him.

Questions to ask: Can something good come out of Ms. Corona? What and how can you participate in the resolution of this global problem? What will you commit to do in response to God’s loving loyalty to you and your family through the years? Where do you next plan to invest your time, talent, and treasure that is of eternal significance? How can you be a blessing to someone in this time of crisis?

That, with the help of the living God, is entirely up to you. The thing is, make the most of this pandemic. Do not waste it. Winton Churchill, the illustrious Prime Minister of Britain in a time crisis once said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.”

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