Psalms 42

Pss 42–43 These psalms, like Pss 9 and 10, form a unit comprising a lament with a bittersweet refrain of hope (42:5, 11; 43:5). In many Hebrew manuscripts these two psalms are combined as one. The historical context is uncertain; these psalms might be the voice of God’s people in exile, confessing their loyalty to God as he punishes them for their prevailing apostasy. The psalmist longs for fellowship with God such as he enjoyed in Jerusalem (42:4); his memories only make him more discouraged. As the psalmist cries out to God, he recalls God’s love and faithfulness (42:8), which moves him to plead for vindication (43:1-4).42:title The descendants of Korah were members of a Levitical choir appointed by David to serve as Temple singers (see 1 Chr 6:22-38; 9:19-34; 2 Chr 20:19). Their ancestor Korah was the apostate who had rebelled against Moses and whom the earth swallowed up (Exod 6:24; Num 16).42:1-4 The psalmist’s longing for God comes from being geographically distant from the Temple as he remembers the past. • The verb translated longs is found only here and in Joel 1:20 (“cry out”); in both cases it refers to extreme thirst in a waterless desert (see Pss 63:1; 143:6; see also 84:2).

42:3 Having tears for food speaks of great grief (80:5; 102:9; see 6:6; 56:8; 119:136; 126:5). • The wicked try to hold God to their timetable and deny his power to intervene.

42:4 The psalmist recalls leading a great procession as a member of the Levitical choir, possibly during the high holy days.

42:5-6 The psalmist encourages himself with questions and answers.42:5 The psalmist feels depressed, but it does not incapacitate him. He remembers that the living God is his Savior. This verse is repeated in 42:11 and 43:5.

42:6 Mount Hermon is a high mountain range northeast of Israel. The source of the Jordan is by Dan at the foot of Mount Hermon. • Mount Mizar might be a peak in the Mount Hermon range.

42:7 The raging seas, waves, and surging tides conjure images of God’s wrath (see 88:7).

42:8 The psalmist sees rays of hope. A life oriented to God includes songs of joy and praying for justice and vindication (42:9-10; 43:1-4).

42:9-10 The psalmist brings his many doubts, discouragements, and questions directly to God.