Psalms 42 - Printer Friendly

This begins the second major division of the Psalms, often referred to as "Book Two," which continues through Psalm 72. This is labelled as a maskil, most likely a musical arrangement, as are Psalms 32, 52, and 89, among others. Psalm 42 is associated with the "Sons of Korah." These were probably groups descended from the infamous family punished after the exodus (Numbers 26:9–11). Some commentators believe the Sons of Korah became influential worship leaders during the time of David and Solomon. Whether they wrote the psalms tied to their names, or the psalms were written for them to sing, is not clear.

The psalm begins expressing a desperate longing for God. This famous comparison depicts an animal panting with thirst. Desire to know and commune with God is an urgent, vital need. Here, the psalmist likely wishes to worship God in the sanctuary—the temple—in Jerusalem. Being kept from that worship is painful. Yet the psalmist puts trust in the Lord and speaks reassurance about his own salvation (Psalm 42:1–5).

Even faithful people can be tempted to despair. The writer turns to express a sense of overwhelming grief. This is compared to a brutal chain of oncoming waves or the relentless pounding of a waterfall. Another possible nuance is the idea of deep spiritual need crying out for an equally deep response. Enemy attacks tempt the psalmist to despair, but God is the solid Rock worthy of trust. Being mocked by unbelievers is painful but should not override our trust in God's goodness. Instead, the psalmist looks to the future with hope (Psalm 42:6–11).

Psalm 42:1–5 records the psalmist's feeling of distance from God. Yet he longs to be close to the Lord. He thirsts for God and is pained by the taunts he is subject to from his foes. He recalls the former days, when he led a jubilant procession to Jerusalem to observe a festival, and he urges himself to hope in God, because he will praise Him again.

The psalmist begins and ends with hope and dependence on God. His desire for God is like thirst: a vital need, not simply a minor emotion. Enemy attacks, mocking, or grief over being far from home should not override trust in God's goodness. Hardship naturally tempts us to become bitter and defeatist; instead, we should look forward to praising God as our Savior.

Psalms 1 through 41 are considered the first "book" of psalms. Psalm 42 is the first of "Book 2." Because of its similarity to Psalm 43, it is thought that both psalms were originally one psalm, but there is no explanation for why they were separated. This "maskil" has a similar tone to Psalms 32, 52, and 89. It is associated with the "Sons of Korah," likely a group tied to worship during the era of David and Solomon.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.