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. read more
As water from a brook sustains a deer physically, so God Himself sustains people spiritually (cf. John 4:14). The psalmist was thirsty for God. He could not obtain the refreshment he needed yet, but he looked forward to finding it soon. read more
1. The psalmist’s longing for God 42:1-5The writer suffered at the hands of tormenting enemies. He longed for God, whom he confidently expected to be able to praise in the future when the Lord would deliver him. read more
II. BOOK 2: CHS. 42-72In Book 1, all the psalms except 1, 2, 10, and 33 claimed David as their writer. It is likely that he wrote these four as well, even though they do not bear his name (cf. Acts 4:25). In Book 2, the titles identify David as the writer of 18 psalms (Psalms 51-65, 68-70). He may also have written those bearing the notation, "of the sons of Korah" (Psalms 42, 44-49). The sons of Korah (cf. Numbers 26:10-11) were distinguished musicians (1 Chronicles 6:31-48). Korah was a... read more
Rather than drinking from God, he had to drink the water of his own tears. God was not providing for his needs just then. The writer remembered with great delight the times when he found spiritual refreshment at the sanctuary in Jerusalem, but he was not able to return there yet. read more
The psalmist encouraged himself rhetorically by reminding himself that he would again praise God. He needed to continue to hope in God until then. read more
The psalmist was far from Jerusalem and the central sanctuary. Evidently he was near the Hermon range of mountains that stood north of the Sea of Chinnereth (Galilee). The Jordan Valley is quite wide north of this sea and the mountains of Hermon rise up to the east from it. Mount Mizar is one of the hills in that area. It was a long way from Mount Zion where the ark dwelt in David’s day. read more
2. The psalmist’s lamentation because of his enemies 42:6-11In this stanza the writer focused on his enemies rather than on God. However, he came back to the same expression of confidence with which he ended the first stanza. read more
This Ps. and the following one are closely connected, and it is practically certain that they were originally one. Psalms 43 has no separate title, and its closing refrain occurs twice in Psalms 42 (Psalms 42:5, Psalms 42:11). Both Pss. belong to a time when the Temple worship was in full activity, and the writer is a Levite who is detained in the N. of Palestine (Psalms 42:6), and beset by enemies, apparently heathen (Psalms 42:9; Psalms 43:1-2), who taunt him about his God (Psalms 42:3,... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 42:5
5. Hence he chides his despondent soul, assuring himself of a time of joy. help of his countenance—or, "face" (compare Numbers 6:25; Psalms 4:6; Psalms 16:11). read more