Psalms 42
42
A Cry for Revival # 42 Psalms 42 and 43 were originally composed as one psalm and later made into two.
For the Pure and Shining One
A contemplative poem for instruction by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan # 42 Korah was the great-grandson of Levi. The sons of Korah (translated here as the “prophetic singers of Korah’s clan”) were Levitical singers. David chose them to preside over the music of the tabernacle-tent on Mount Zion.
1I long to drink of you, O God,
to drink deeply from the streams of pleasure
flowing from your presence.
My longings overwhelm me for more of you! # 42:1 The literal Hebrew is “as the deer pants for the riverbank [water’s edge].” This translation takes the metaphor of a hunted deer and puts it into terms that transfer the meaning into today’s context. David was describing the passion and longing he had that was yet unfulfilled.
2My soul thirsts, pants, and longs for the living God.
I want to come and see the face of God.
3Day and night my tears keep falling
and my heart keeps crying for your help,
while my enemies mock me over and over, saying,
“Where is this God of yours? Why doesn’t he help you?”
4So I speak over my heartbroken soul,
“Take courage. Remember when you used to be
right out front leading the procession of praise
when the great crowd of worshipers
gathered to go into the presence of the Lord?
You shouted with joy as the sound of passionate celebration
filled the air and the joyous multitude of lovers
honored the feast of the Lord!”
5So then, my soul, why would you be depressed?
Why would you sink into despair?
Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior.
For no matter what, I will still sing with praise,
for you are my saving grace!
6Here I am depressed and downcast.
Yet I will still remember you as I ponder the place
where your glory streams down from the mighty mountaintops, lofty and majestic—the mountains of your awesome presence. # 42:6 The Hebrew text contains “Mount Hermon” and “Mount Mizar,” considered to be sacred mountains in the Hebrew culture. Hermon means “lofty and majestic.” Mizar means “littleness.”
7My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love.
Your waterfall of weeping sent waves of sorrow
over my soul, carrying me away,
cascading over me like a thundering cataract.
8All through the day Yahweh has commanded his endless love to pour over me.
Through the night I sing his songs
and my praises # 42:8 Or “my prayer.” to the living God.
9I will say to God, “You are my mountain of strength;
how could you forget me?
Why must I suffer this vile oppression of my enemies—
these heartless tormentors who are out to kill me?”
10Their wounding words pierce my heart
over and over while they say,
“Where is this God of yours?”
11So I say to my soul,
“Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed.
For I know my God will break through for me.”
Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again.
Yes, he is my saving grace!
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Psalms 42: TPT
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Learn More About The Passion TranslationPsalms 42
42
BOOK II
(Psalms 42–72)
(A special psalm by the clan of Korah and for the music leader.)
Longing for God
1As a deer gets thirsty
for streams of water,
I truly am thirsty
for you, my God.
2In my heart, I am thirsty
for you, the living God.
When will I see your face?
3Day and night my tears
are my only food,
as everyone keeps asking,
“Where is your God?”
4Sorrow floods my heart,
when I remember
leading the worshipers
to your house.#42.4 leading … house: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
I can still hear them shout
their joyful praises.
5Why am I discouraged?
Why am I restless?
I should trust you, Lord.
I will praise you again
because you help me,
6and you are my God.
I am deeply discouraged,
and so I think about you
here where the Jordan begins
at Mount Hermon
and at Mount Mizar.#42.6 Mount Mizar: The location is not known.
7Your vicious waves
have swept over me
like an angry ocean
or a roaring waterfall.
8Every day, you are kind,
and at night
you give me a song
as my prayer to you,
the God of my life.
9You are my mighty rock.#42.9 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
Why have you forgotten me?
Why must enemies mistreat me
and make me sad?
10Even my bones are in pain,
while all day long
my enemies sneer and ask,
“Where is your God?”
11Why am I discouraged?
Why am I restless?
I trust you, Lord!
And I will praise you again
because you help me,
and you are my God.
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.