PS 42 The psalmist longs for the publicservice of God, ver. 1-4. Stirs himself up to trust in God, ver. 5-9. Reproached by his enemies, still hopes in him, ver. 10, 11. To the chief musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. Title of the psalm. Sons of Korah - Who were an eminent order of singers in the house of God, 1 Chron. vi, 33.
Verse 1. Panteth - After the enjoyment of thee in thy sanctuary.
Verse 2. Thirsteth - Not after vain useless idols, but after the only true and livingGod. Appear - In the place of his special presence and publick worship.
Verse 4. Remember - My banishment from God's presence, and mine enemies triumphs. In me - I breathe out my sorrows and complaints to God within my own breast. The multitudes - Israelites, who went thither in great numbers. Holy-day - Or that kept the feast, the three solemn festival solemnities, which they kept holy unto the Lord.
Verse 5. For - Hebrew. for the salvations of his face, for those supports, deliverances and comforts which I doubt not I shall enjoy both in his presence and sanctuary, and from his presence, and the light of his countenance.
Verse 6. Therefore - Therefore that I may revive my drooping spirits. Remember - I will consider thy infinite mercy and power, and faithfulness. Mizar - From all the parts of the land, to which I shall be driven; whether from the parts beyond Jordan on the east: or mount Hermon, which was in the northern parts.
Verse 7. Deep - One affliction comes immediately after another, as if it were called for by the former. A metaphor taken from violent and successive showers of rain; which frequently come down from heaven, as it were at the noise, or call of God's water spouts.
Verse 8. Command - Will effectually confer upon me. Loving-kindness - His blessings, the effects of his loving-kindness.
Verse 10. As - As a sword, which cutteth the very bones, so painful are their reproaches.