Psalm 42

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:1-11

There is an intimate union between this psalm and the next, which is a sort of additional stanza, terminating in the same refrain (comp. Psalms 43:5 with Psalms 42:5 and Psalms 42:11 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:1-11

A thirst for God. This is one of the most touching, pathetic, and beautiful of the Psalms. It is not possible to decide either its author or the time of its composition. Its tones are very much like the plaintive sounds from David's harp, whether or no he was its writer (but see homily on Psalms 43:1-5 .). Leaving untouched, owing to want of space, the historical and geographical matters suggested in the psalm, £ we shall devote ourselves entirely to the opening up of its deep pathos... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:1-11

Spiritual depression. The scene of this psalm seems to have been on the other side of Jordan, near the shining heights of Hermon. Here we may imagine the writer, probably a Hebrew exile, straining his eyes to catch a glimpse of the dear laud of his fathers that was soon to pass from his sight. To him it seemed as if to be separated from Jerusalem was to be separated from God; as if losing the fellowship of the saints were losing God. The hart panting for the water-brooks imaged the grief... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:2

My soul thirsteth for God (comp. Psalms 63:1 ; Psalms 143:6 ; Isaiah 55:1 ). The devout soul is always athirst for God. David felt his severance from the tabernacle and its services as a sort of severance from God himself, whom he was accustomed to approach through the services of the sanctuary (see 2 Samuel 15:25 , 2 Samuel 15:26 ). For the living God . This title of God occurs only in one other psalm ( Psalms 84:2 ); but it was a title familiar to David ( 1 Samuel 17:27 ).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:3

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? (comp. Psalms 80:9 , "Thou feedest them with the bread of tears ;" and Ovid, 'Metaph.,' 10:288, "Cure dolorque animi, lachrymaeque, alimenta fuere"—"They who grieve deeply do not eat; they only weep;" yet they live on, so that their tears appear to be their aliment). David's grief at being shut out from God's presence is intensified by the reproaches of his enemies, "Where is thy God?" ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:4

When I remember these things ; rather, these things I remember — the things remembered being those touched on in the rest of the verse—his former free access to the house of God, and habit of frequenting it, especially on festival occasions, when the multitude "kept holy day." "Deep sorrow," as Hengstenberg remarks, "tries to lose itself in the recollection of the happier past." I pour out my soul in me. "The heart pours itself out , or melts in any one, who is in a manner... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:5

Why art thou cast down? or, Why art thou bowed down ? i.e. brought low—a term indicative of the very extreme of dejection. O my soul. The spirit, or higher reason, rebukes the "soul," or passionate nature, for allowing itself to be so depressed, and seeks to encourage and upraise it. And why art thou so disquieted in me? rather, Why dost thou make thy moan over me ? literally, make a roaring noise like the sea (comp. Psalms 46:3 ; Jeremiah 4:19 ; Jeremiah 5:22 ). Hope thou... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:6

O my God, my soul is cast down within me ; or, bowed down , as in the first clause of Psalms 42:5 . Therefore will I remember thee . As a remedy for my depression, I will call thee to mind, and cast myself on thee. From the land of Jordan. From the place of my present abode—the Trans-Jordanic region—to which, on the revolt of Absalom, David had fled ( 2 Samuel 17:24 ). And of the Hormonites ; rather, and of the Hermons. This expression is not elsewhere used, and can only be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:6

The hill Mizar. Association is a potent factor in life. Here it may have worked by contrast. "Mizar," as a little hill, may have called to the mind of David, in exile, the mountains of Judah, and the far-off land of his fathers and his God. We may take "Mizar" to illustrate— I. THE CHANGES OF LIFE . As with David, so with us, changes come. We may have rest or be compelled to wander. We may have the joys of home or we may be doomed to solitude and to exile. Wherever we are, let... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:7

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts. Blow follows blow. Misfortunes "come not in single file, but in battalions." The imagery may be taken from the local storms that visit the Trans-Jordanic territory. All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me (comp. Psalms 69:1 , Psalms 69:2 ; Psalms 88:7 , Psalms 88:17 ; Psalms 144:7 ). read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 42:7

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