Psalm 42

A Song of Hope for The Distressed Soul

Some ancient Hebrew manuscripts united Psalms 42, 43 as one. This is understandable since the same refrain occurs in both of them.       - Thomas Constable

Sons of Korah

The sons of Korah were Levites, from the family of Kohath. By David’s time it seems they served in the musical aspect of the temple worship (2 Chronicles 20:19).

Korah led a rebellion of 250 community leaders against Moses during the wilderness days of the Exodus (Numbers 16). God judged Korah and his leaders and they all died, but the sons of Korah remained (Numbers 26:9-11). Perhaps they were so grateful for this mercy that they became notable in Israel for praising God.          - David Guzik

Some scholars believe David wrote these psalms for the sons of Korah to perform. Others believe the sons of Korah composed them. There is great similarity between the content of these psalms and the ones David wrote.              - Thomas Constable

I Long For You

Vs. 1-2 - As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. I thirst for God, the living God.

As water from a brook sustains a deer physically, so God Himself sustains people spiritually. The psalmist was thirsty for God. He could not obtain the refreshment he needed yet, but he looked forward to finding it soon.             - Thomas Constable

I Am Deeply Distressed

Vs. 3 - My tears have been my food day and night

Vs. 6 - I am deeply depressed

The writer acknowledged his emotions to God in this prayer.  He did not attempt to dilute them or deny them; he described them to God in lament. 

Vs. 7 - Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.

The psalmist knew, “I’m in deep trouble on the outside and I’m in deep trouble on the inside.” These two depths seemed to collide in him, sending him deeper still. It is a powerful and poetic description of despair.    - David Guzik

Why Must I Sorrow?

Vs. 9-10 - Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones

An unspecified enemy has oppressed the writer.  They taunted him and asked him why God hadn't helped.  But the psalmist was confident that God was for him and questioned his own despair, “Why should I succumb to you? Why should I grieve like a hopeless man?” 

I Will Still Praise Him

Vs. 5,11 - Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

Vs. 8 - The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night

The psalmist knew that God was still his Savior and refuge, but he struggled to feel it, to accept it in his grief.  So he wrote a song to sing truth to his own soul.  He reminded his heart of the faithful love and presence of God.  He prayed and praised in his pain. 

The internal emotional condition of the psalmist is depressed and full of turmoil. In verses 5 and 11, he describes himself as “cast down” and “in turmoil.” But in all of this, he is fighting for hope.  His external circumstances are oppressing. His internal emotional condition is depressed and full of turmoil. But he is fighting for hope.

Is it a happy ending? Like almost everything else in this life, it’s mixed. His faith really is amazing, and his fight is valiant. But he is not where he wants to be in hope and peace and praise.         - John Piper