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.
Psalm 42 Bible Commentary
Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
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.