Psalm 42-43

Psalm 42‑43  •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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In the Authorized Version, however, the sense is obscure in some degree by the translation of verse 5 which in the original, as the LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate agree, is not the language of regret at the remembrance of privileges once enjoyed, but the language of hope as he looks forward to what he will enjoy. The words are, “I shall go with the multitude, I shall go with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a feast.” Though outside Jerusalem, he will one day be inside; though it is for him now the time of sorrow and reproach, the festive day will come. So, when reproached by his enemies, he pours out his soul in prayer for this. The special subject of the prayer we get in Psa. 43 Thus these two Psalms are divided into three parts. Psa. 42:1-51<<To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.>> As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 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. 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. (Psalm 42:1‑5) gives the desire of his heart, panting for God, as the hart pants because of the waterbrooks, and the confidence that he will yet enjoy what he so much desires. Then verses 6-11 give the special circumstances which call out this confidence of hope. He is afflicted, beyond Jordan, unable to reach God's house, through the oppression of the enemy. Psa. 43 gives the subject of his prayer, to be judged and avenged, and states the way by which his desire will be accomplished. “Send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me.” It is beautiful to see that the soul cannot rest till it gets to that place on earth where God dwells. It is strengthening, nevertheless, to see how God graciously ministers comfort under the circumstances. (Psa. 42:88Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8).) It is instructive to see what the godly one will do when he reaches the holy habitation. “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.”
I would add that help in verse 5 and health in verse 11 are the same word in Hebrew, and the three versions mentioned above, 70, Syriac, and Vulgate, connect “O my God” of verse 6 with the end of verse 5, by which verse 5 is made to tally exactly with Psa. 42:1111Why 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. (Psalm 42:11) and Psa. 43:55Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Psalm 43:5). S.