Psalm Chapter 42 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
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, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5 Why 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.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
Psalms Chapter 42 (Old Testament)
7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11 Why 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.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 42:1
Verse: כְּצִפֳרִים יְשׁוֹקְקוּ לַנְּחָלִים
Transliteration: Ketziporim yeshokku lan’chalim
English: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for You, O God.”
Focus Word: נֶפֶשׁ (Nefesh)
- Root: נ-פ-שׁ (Nun-Peh-Shin)
- Meaning: “Soul,” “life,” “inner being.”
- Deeper Insight: Nefesh in Hebrew represents the totality of a person’s being—emotions, desires, and life force. Spiritual thirst indicates deep longing for God.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 42 |
|---|---|---|
| John Calvin (University of Paris / Orléans, 1509–1564) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Highlights the Psalmist’s deep spiritual thirst, showing the soul’s desire for God amid despair. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Observes that yearning for God is both natural and spiritually necessary, producing hope in adversity. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Notes the alternation between lament and trust as a pattern for sustaining faith during trials. |
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Emphasizes that spiritual longing strengthens reliance on God’s promises and guidance. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Observes that persistent desire for God fosters patience and spiritual growth. |
Prayer: Glory to You, O Lord, for great things you have done. As the song goes, so loved ye the world that You gave us Your Son. You gave us Your Son, The Lord Jesus Christ so that whosoever believes in Him shouldn't perish but have everlasting Life. Thank you King of glory, for being worthy. Thank you for your obedience even unto death on the cross. Thank You for taking back up your Life, King of Glory. Thank You Father for rasing The Lord Jesus from the dead and raising us together with Him and seating us together with Him in heavenly places. Glorify your Name O God in our lives in Jesus' Name. Amen!
