Ps. 42 THE ARGUMENT The penman of this Psalm is uncertain. as not being named in the title. It was composed either, 1. By David, when he was banished from the house of God, either by Saul’s tyranny, or by Absalom’s rebellion; or, 2.

After thee; after the enjoyment of thee in thy sanctuary, as it appears from Ps. 42:4.

Thirst is more vehement than hunger, and more impatient of dissatisfaction. For the living God: this he mentions as a just cause of his thirst. He did not thirst after vain, useless idols, but after the only true and living God, who was his life, and the length of his days, as is said, Deut.

My tears have been my meat; which notes both the great abundance and constant course of his tears, and the secret satisfaction and ease which he found in giving vent to his passion this way. Possibly his tears and grief took away his appetite, and so were to him instead of food.

These things; either, 1. Which follow, to wit, my former freedom. Or rather, 2. Last mentioned, my banishment from God’s presence, and mine enemies’ scoffs and triumphs upon that occasion. I pour out my soul: this phrase notes either, 1. His fervent prayer, as it is taken, 1 Sam. 1:15, Ps. 62:8.

Why art thou cast down with excessive sorrow and despair? For the help of his countenance, Heb. for the salvations of his face, i.e. for those supports, deliverances, and comforts which I doubt not I shall ere long enjoy, both in his presence and sanctuary, to which he will restore me, and from his…

That I may revive my drooping spirits, I will consider thy infinite mercy, and power, and faithfulness, and thy gracious presence in the sanctuary, from whence thou dost hear and answer all those that call upon thee, in all the parts of the land.

Deep calleth unto deep, i.e. one affliction comes immediately after another, as if it were called for and invited by the former; which he expresseth by a metaphor taken either, 1.

Will command i.e. will effectually procure or confer upon me, as this verb is used, Lev. 25:21, Ps. 7:6;c. The verb is future, but some render it by the time past, the Lord hath commanded; making this rehearsal of his former experiences of God’s goodness his argument to support himself, and to…

I will say unto God; I will expostulate the case with him. My rock; who hath formerly been a sure refuge to me. Why hast thou forgotten me? why dost thou now seem quite to forget and neglect me? Why go I mourning? why dost thou leave me in this mournful state, and not succour me speedily?

In my bones, or in my body, the bones being oft put for the body, whereof they are a very considerable part. Or, as a sword, which pierceth and cutteth my flesh even to the bones, and cutteth or breaketh the very bones also. So painful and vexatious are their reproaches.

The health of my countenance, Heb. the salvations of my face i.e. either, 1. Which are present and manifest, being before my face. Or, 2. Which will make my face to shine, and my countenance cheerful, which supposeth the gladness of the heart, and the bettering of his condition. Or, 3.