13. yet made we not our prayer before—literally, "soothed not the face of." Not even our chastisement has taught us penitence (Isa 9:13; Jer 5:3; Ho 7:10). Diseased, we spurn the healing medicine.
that we might turn, &c.—Prayer can only be accepted when joined with the desire to turn from sin to God (Ps 66:18; Pr 28:9).
understand thy truth—"attentively regard Thy faithfulness" in fulfilling Thy promises, and also Thy threats [Calvin]. Thy law (Da 8:12), [Maurer].