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Psalms, 42

1. <To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.> As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

1.

2. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

2. As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.

3. My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

3. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I go and see the face of God?

4. When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

4. Day and night my tears have been my food, as people ask me day after day, "Where is your God?"

5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.

5. Now as I pour out my soul, I remember all this - how I used to lead the faithful in procession to the house of God, amid shouts of joy and thanksgiving, among the feasting throng.

6. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

6. Why are you so downcast, my soul, why so troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will praise him again, my savior and my God.

7. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

7. My soul is downcast when I remember from these lands of Jordan and Hermon, "Where are you, small mountain?"

8. [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

8. Deep calls to deep as your cataracts thunder; your waves and torrents have gone over me.

9. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

9. May the Lord bestow his love by day, by night his song is upon my lips - a prayer to the God of my life.

10. [As] with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

10. I say to God, my rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"

11. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

11. My whole being suffers in mortal agony, as my adversaries continually taunt me, "Where is your God?"

12.

12. Why are you so downcast, my soul, why so troubled within me? Hope in God, for again I will praise him - my savior and my God.



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Footnotes:

42:1-2 - The psalmist expresses his longing for God by comparing this search to a deer's thirst for water. This metaphor highlights the depth of spiritual longing and the need for connection with the Creator (see also Psalm 63:1 and John 7:37-38).

42:3-4 - The memory of times of worship brings sadness to the psalmist, reflecting the pain of separation from God. This emphasizes the importance of fellowship and community in the spiritual life (see also Psalm 27:4 and Hebrews 10:25).

42:5-6 - The psalmist speaks of his sorrow, but also exhorts himself to wait on God. This internal struggle shows the importance of hope and faith in the midst of hardship (see also Psalm 43:5 and Romans 15:13).

42:7-8 - Deep anguish is followed by the declaration of God's presence in the midst of tribulation. The awareness of divine sovereignty brings comfort and security to the believer (see also Psalm 46:1 and Isaiah 43:2).

42:9-11 - The psalmist closes the psalm with an affirmation of faith and hope. This final message is a reminder of the importance of maintaining trust in God, even in the most challenging situations (see also Psalm 62:5 and Lamentations 3:21-23).

Verses related to Psalms, 42:

Psalm 42, of the sons of Korah, portrays the soul thirsty for God. How to find hope in times of discouragement? This poetic lament expresses the deep longing for God amidst the affliction and mockery of enemies. The psalmist talks to his own soul, encouraging himself to trust in the Lord. The text uses vivid imagery such as the deer yearning for running waters. Psalm 42 teaches about perseverance in faith during trials. Consider with us five biblical passages that resonate with the comforting themes of this inspiring psalm.

John 7:37: "On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice: 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink'." - This invitation from Jesus echoes the spiritual thirst expressed in Psalm 42:1-2.

Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - This beatitude reflects the theme of lament and hope for comfort present in Psalm 42.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that with the comfort we receive from God, we can comfort those who are in trouble ." - This verse echoes the theme of seeking comfort from God in the midst of trials, as expressed in Psalm 42.

Revelation 22:1: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life that, clear as crystal, flowed from the throne of God and the Lamb." - This heavenly image reflects the spiritual thirst and desire for God expressed in Psalm 42:1-2.

Romans 8:35,37: "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will it be tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [...] But in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us." - This passage echoes the struggle and ultimate trust in God expressed in Psalm 42:11.

FAQ:

What does the psalmist express at the beginning of Psalm 42?

The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God, comparing his spiritual thirst to a deer's thirst for water. (Psalm 42:1-2)

How does the psalmist deal with hopelessness in Psalm 42?

Despite feeling distressed and distant from God, the psalmist remembers His works and tells himself to wait for God. (Psalm 42:5)

What does the psalmist say about his tears?

The psalmist mentions that his tears have been his food day and night, reflecting his suffering and sense of abandonment. (Psalm 42:3)

What does the psalmist ask for in Psalm 42?

He asks God to send His light and truth to guide him back to the place where he can worship, seeking spiritual restoration. (Psalm 42:3-4)

What is the focus of the end of Psalm 42?

The psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of trust in God, even in adversity, challenging the soul to wait on God and trust in His salvation. (Psalm 42:11)


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