Psalms 42

Psalms 42:1

As the hart panteth for the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

The thirsty and panting deer, in the extremity of drought, doth not more eagerly long for the water brooks, wherein to cool and refresh himself, than I do for my access to thy holy sanctuary, O Lord, even to thy tabernacle from whence I am forcibly driven.

Psalms 42:2

My soul thirsteth for God.

My soul doth vehemently thirst after this thy presence.

Psalms 42:4

When 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.

When I remember my former happiness, how I had the liberty and favour of leading the multitude up to thy holy tabernacle, and bethink myself with what joy and melody we went up heretofore to this house of thine, I cannot but pour out my soul into tears and lamentations, to consider my grievous restraint and exile from it.

Psalms 42:6

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Harmonites, from the hill Mizar.

My soul is cast down with this affliction: in whom should I then seek for comfort, but in thee, O God? Therefore, since I cannot be present at thy house, yet I will ever remember and think upon it, wherever I am in my utmost banishment; whether in that eastern land beyond Jordan, or the southern coast of the mountains of Hermonim, or in this little obscure hill wherein I now am.

Psalms 42:7

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy water spouts.

One affliction, like so many waves, comes in the neck of another; and, in a miserable succession, as it were, calls for the next; upon thy predetermination of these my adversities, which do as it were gush out from thee, by those conveyances which thou hast ordained.

Psalms 42:8

Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me.

The Lord will be graciously present, to help and comfort me; and, as in the day time he will cheer me up with the sense of his loving-kindness, so in the night also he will put songs of praise and thanksgiving into my mouth.