Psalms 42:1-11

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, Psalms 42:10). He longs to return and take his part in the Temple service, and is confident that God will yet fulfil his desire.

Title.—Maschil] see on Psalms 32. For (RV ’of’) the sons of Korah] i.e. from a collection compiled by the Levitical guild bearing that name.

2. Appear before God] in the Temple at Jerusalem. 4. Read, ’These things would I remember as I pour out my soul within me.’ AV and RV suggest that the Psalmist’s memories of better days add to his sorrow; but the meaning is rather that they give him hope. For I had gone, etc.] RV ’how I went with the throng, and led them to the house of God.’ Holyday] a sacred festival, the original meaning of ’holiday.’

5. For the help of his countenance] We should probably read, ’who is the health of my countenance and my God,’ as in Psalms 42:11, Psalms 43:5.

6. Land of Jordan.. Hermonites] RV ’land of Jordan and the Hermons,’ the sources of the Jordan in the NE. of Palestine. The plural ’Hermons’ refers to the separate peaks of the mountain. The hill Mizar] the ’little mountain,’ some lower hill in the same locality.

7. At the noise of thy waterspouts] better, ’in the roar of thy cataracts,’ the cascades that rush down Hermon when the snow melts in spring. Thy waves and.. billows] a figure for trouble, probably in this case suggested by the appearance of the Jordan in flood.

8. And my prayer] RV ’even a prayer.’

10. As with a sword in my bones] better, ’as though they would crush my bones,’ the whole framework of my being.