Psalm 42

Theme

Longing for God in the Midst of Distress

Outline

1-4, David's zeal to serve God in the temple. 5-11, He encourages his soul to trust in God.

Key Verse

(42:1) As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O god. (42:5) 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.

Notes

Psalms 42–43, primarily attributed to the sons of Korah, are interconnected, sharing themes and refrains. The psalmist expresses longing for God while facing oppression and depression, highlighting a deep thirst for divine connection. The structure includes sections on longing for God, questioning divine absence, and a plea for guidance through light and truth.

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