Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 42

Longing for God and Hope in DistressThis section focuses on a deep love for God, which is the real heart of true religion. David expresses how much he desires God, especially during times when he cannot worship in God’s house. The psalm shows how real faith holds on to God even in sadness, and finds hope in Him when everything else is lost. David remembers better days, mourns his present troubles, but encourages himself to hope in God’s goodness and help.v. 1-2: David says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”(Psalm 42:1-2 ). David is far from the place of worship, and he misses it deeply. He is not only longing for the rituals, but for God Himself. He desires to meet with the living God, who is the source of life and true happiness. Just like a thirsty deer needs water, his soul needs God.

v. 3: David continues, “My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?’”. He is so sad that he cries all the time. His enemies make it worse by mocking him, asking where his God is. This makes David’s pain even harder to bear.

v. 4: He remembers happier times: “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast”. David thinks about when he could worship with many others in God’s house, singing and celebrating. Now, being far away from that, he feels even more sorrow. Remembering good times with God’s people makes his separation even harder.

v. 5: David talks to himself and says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance”. Even though he is sad, he tells himself not to give up. He reminds himself to put his hope in God, trusting that he will praise God again. David believes God’s presence and favor will help him, and this hope keeps him going even when he feels low.

Complaints and ConsolationsThis section shows how David’s feelings go back and forth between sadness and hope, just like day and night. He is honest about his struggles, but he also finds comfort by remembering God and trusting in His love. Even when he feels far from God and surrounded by trouble, David keeps turning to God in prayer and hope.v. 6: David admits, “O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar”. He feels very sad and far from God’s house, but he chooses to remember God wherever he is. Even when he is far away, he keeps his faith and looks toward God, knowing that God is always near, no matter where we are.

v. 7: David describes his troubles as overwhelming. “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me”. He feels like one problem after another is crashing over him, like waves in a storm. He knows these troubles come from God’s hand, but he also trusts that God is in control and will not let him be destroyed. Jonah used these same words when he was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2:3 ), showing that God’s people can relate to these feelings in many situations.

v. 8: David finds hope in God’s love. “The Lord

v. 9: David complains about his enemies and his feelings of being forgotten. “I will say to God my Rock, ‘Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?’”. He feels hurt by the way others treat him and wonders why God seems distant. Still, he calls God his Rock, showing he trusts God even when he does not understand.

v. 10: He describes the pain of being mocked. “As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me, while they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’”. The words of his enemies hurt him deeply, especially when they question his faith and God’s presence.

v. 11: David ends by talking to himself again: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God”(Psalm 42:11 ). He encourages himself to keep hoping in God. He believes that God will help him smile again and will always be his God. This hope gives him strength to face his troubles.