Psalms 42 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
PSALM 42
Psa 42:1-11. Maschil--(See on Psa 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 (Psa 63:1).
panteth--desires in a state of exhaustion.
2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
PSALM 42
Psa 42:1-11. Maschil--(See on Psa 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 (Psa 63:1).
panteth--desires in a state of exhaustion.
3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
3. Where is thy God?--implying that He had forsaken him (compare 2Sa 16:7; Psa 3:2; 22:8).
4When 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. 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.
5Why 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. Hence he chides his despondent soul, assuring himself of a time of joy.
help of his countenance--or, "face" (compare Nu 6:25; Psa 4:6; 16:11).
6O 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. 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.
7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
7. The roar of successive billows, responding to that of floods of rain, represented the heavy waves of sorrow which overwhelmed him.
8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
8. Still he relies on as constant a flow of divine mercy which will elicit his praise and encourage his prayer to God.
9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
9-10. in view of which [Psa 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.
10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
9-10. in view of which [Psa 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.
11Why 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. This brings on a renewed self-chiding, and excites hopes of relief.
health--or help.
of my countenance--(compare Psa 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.