Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 13:6

"I will sing unto Jehovah, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me." — Psalms 13:6 (ASV)

I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me — The word that is here rendered “dealt bountifully” — גמל gâmal — properly means “to deal” with anyone, to “treat” anyone well or ill, and then, to requite or recompense. When used absolutely, as it is here, it is commonly employed in a good sense, meaning to deal favorably or kindly toward anyone, to treat anyone with favor.

It means here that God had shown him kindness or favor, and thus had laid the foundation for gratitude and praise. The psalm closes, therefore, with expressions of joy, thankfulness, triumph. Though it begins with depression and sadness, it ends with joy. This is often observable in the Psalms.

At the beginning, it often occurs that the mind is overwhelmed with sorrow, and there is earnest pleading with God. Light, under the influence of prayer, gradually breaks in on the soul. The clouds disperse; the darkness disappears. New views of the goodness and mercy of God are imparted; an assurance of his favor is brought to the soul; confidence in his mercy springs up in the heart; and the psalm that began with sorrowful complaining ends with the language of praise and of joy. So, too, it is in our own experience.

Afflicted, depressed, and sad, we go to God. Everything seems dark. We have no peace—no clear and cheerful views—no joy.

As we wait on God, new views of his character, his mercy, his love, break on the mind. The clouds open. Light beams on us. Our souls take hold of the promises of God, and we, who went to His throne sad and desponding, rise from our devotions filled with praise and joy, submissive to the trials that made us so sad, and rejoicing in the belief that all things will work together for our good.