Psalms 42

Ps 42:1-11.

Maschil--(See on

Ps 32:1,

title). For, or of (see

Introduction)

the sons of Korah. The writer, perhaps one of this Levitical family of

singers accompanying David in exile, mourns his absence from the

sanctuary, a cause of grief aggravated by the taunts of enemies, and is

comforted in hopes of relief. This course of thought is repeated with

some variety of detail, but closing with the same refrain.

1, 2. Compare

(Ps 63:1).

panteth--desires in a state of exhaustion.

2. appear before God--in acts of worship, the terms used in the

command for the stated personal appearance of the Jews at the

sanctuary.

3. Where is thy God?--implying that He had forsaken him (compare

2Sa 16:7;

Ps 3:2; 22:8).

4. The verbs are properly rendered as futures, "I will remember,"

&c.,--that is, the recollection of this season of distress will give

greater zest to the privileges of God's worship, when obtained.

5. Hence he chides his despondent soul, assuring himself of a time

of joy.

help of his countenance--or, "face" (compare

Nu 6:25;

Ps 4:6; 16:11).

6. Dejection again described.

therefore--that is, finding no comfort in myself, I turn to Thee, even

in this distant "land of Jordan and the (mountains) Hermon, the

country east of Jordan.

hill Mizar--as a name of a small hill contrasted with the mountains

round about Jerusalem, perhaps denoted the contempt with which the

place of exile was regarded.

7. The roar of successive billows, responding to that of floods of

rain, represented the heavy waves of sorrow which overwhelmed him.

8. Still he relies on as constant a flow of divine mercy which will

elicit his praise and encourage his prayer to God.

9, 10. in view of which

[Ps 42:8],

he dictates to himself a prayer based on his distress, aggravated as it

was by the cruel taunts and infidel suggestions of his foes.

11. This brings on a renewed self-chiding, and excites hopes of

relief.

health--or help.

of my countenance--(compare

Ps 42:5)

who cheers me, driving away clouds of sorrow from my face.

my God--It is He of whose existence and favor my foes would have me

doubt.