Psalm 42:11
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
This phrase begins with a rhetorical question that reflects a deep introspection. The Hebrew word for "downcast" is "שָׁחַח" (shachach), which conveys a sense of being bowed down or brought low. This imagery suggests a soul burdened by sorrow or despair. Historically, the psalmist, often attributed to the sons of Korah, might have been experiencing exile or separation from the temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity. This question invites the reader to acknowledge their own moments of spiritual despondency and to seek understanding and resolution.

Why the unease within me?
The term "unease" translates from the Hebrew "הָמָה" (hamah), meaning to murmur, growl, or be in tumult. This word paints a picture of inner turmoil, akin to a restless sea. The psalmist's soul is not at peace, reflecting a common human experience of anxiety and restlessness. In a historical context, this could relate to the Israelites' frequent periods of distress, whether due to external oppression or internal strife. The phrase encourages believers to confront their inner chaos and seek divine peace.

Put your hope in God
Here, "hope" is derived from the Hebrew "יָחַל" (yachal), which means to wait or to expect. This is not a passive waiting but an active, confident expectation of God's intervention. The psalmist redirects the focus from internal despair to divine assurance. In the broader scriptural context, hope in God is a recurring theme, emphasizing trust in His faithfulness and promises. This phrase serves as a reminder to believers that their ultimate hope and security lie in God, not in their circumstances.

for I will yet praise Him
The word "praise" comes from the Hebrew "יָדָה" (yadah), which means to give thanks or to confess. This is an expression of worship and gratitude, even in the midst of trials. The use of "yet" indicates a future certainty, a declaration of faith that transcends present difficulties. Historically, this reflects the Jewish practice of praising God in all situations, trusting in His sovereignty. For Christians, it is a call to maintain a posture of worship, trusting that God is worthy of praise regardless of life's challenges.

my Savior and my God
"Savior" is translated from the Hebrew "יֵשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah), meaning salvation or deliverance. This term underscores God's role as a deliverer and protector. "God" is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. Together, these titles affirm God's ability and willingness to save. In the historical context, this reflects the Israelites' reliance on God for deliverance from enemies and adversity. For Christians, it points to the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ. This phrase encapsulates the psalmist's personal relationship with God, characterized by trust and reverence, and serves as an encouragement for believers to anchor their faith in God's unchanging nature.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, the psalmist expresses deep emotional turmoil and a longing for God's presence.

2. God
Referred to as the psalmist's Savior and God, highlighting a personal relationship and trust in divine deliverance.

3. The Soul
Represents the inner self of the psalmist, experiencing distress and seeking solace in God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Emotional Turmoil
Recognize that feeling downcast or uneasy is a common human experience, even for those with strong faith.

Hope as an Anchor
Emphasize the importance of placing hope in God as a stabilizing force during times of distress.

The Power of Praise
Highlight the transformative power of praising God, even when circumstances are challenging.

Personal Relationship with God
Encourage cultivating a personal relationship with God, as the psalmist refers to God as "my Savior and my God."

Self-Reflection and Dialogue
Practice self-reflection and dialogue with one's soul, as the psalmist does, to realign focus on God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the psalmist's expression of being "downcast" resonate with your own experiences of emotional distress?

2. In what ways can you actively "put your hope in God" during challenging times, and how does this align with Philippians 4:6-7?

3. How does the repetition of similar phrases in Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5 reinforce the message of hope and praise?

4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper personal relationship with God, as seen in the psalmist's reference to God as "my Savior and my God"?

5. How can the practice of self-reflection and dialogue with your soul, as demonstrated by the psalmist, help you in your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 43:5
This verse mirrors Psalm 42:11, reinforcing the theme of hope and praise amidst despair.

Lamentations 3:24
Emphasizes hope in God as one's portion, similar to the psalmist's call to put hope in God.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards the heart and mind.

1 Peter 5:7
Invites believers to cast their anxieties on God, who cares for them, echoing the psalmist's reliance on God.
A Sick SoulJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 42:11
Causes and Cure of MelancholyH. Kollock, D. D.Psalm 42:11
David's Malady and David's MedicineA. G. Brown.Psalm 42:11
DownheartednessW. Hoyt, D. DPsalm 42:11
Means not to be Overcharged with SorrowPsalm 42:11
My GodR. Berry.Psalm 42:11
Religious DepressionT. F. Lockyer, B. A.Psalm 42:11
The Causes and Cure of Spiritual DistressT. Gordon.Psalm 42:11
The Good Man's PeaceW. Bridge, M. A.Psalm 42:11
The Soul's Conflict with ItselfPsalm 42:11
True Peace May be InterruptedW. Bridge, M. A.Psalm 42:11
Trust in God Our Best Support in All Our Troubles and AfflictionsBishop Smalridge.Psalm 42:11
Unfailing HopeJ. P. Chown.Psalm 42:11
Unfitting DejectionPsalm 42:11
A Thirst for GodC. Clemance Psalm 42:1-11
Desire After GodPsalm 42:1-11
GodHomilistPsalm 42:1-11
Living ThirstJ. Cumming, D. D.Psalm 42:1-11
Man's Craving for GodSamuel Cox, D. D.Psalm 42:1-11
Over the Aqueducts of WaterJames Nell, M. A.Psalm 42:1-11
Panting After GodBishop Armstrong.Psalm 42:1-11
Panting After GodJ. Kirkwood.Psalm 42:1-11
Religious Affections Attended with Increase of Spiritual LongingLewis O. Thompson.Psalm 42:1-11
Religious DepressionF. W. Robertson, M. A.Psalm 42:1-11
Spiritual DepressionW. Forsyth Psalm 42:1-11
The Feelings and Sentiments of a Renewed SoulT. Gordon.Psalm 42:1-11
The Korachite PsalmsA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 42:1-11
The Longing for GodCanon Morse.Psalm 42:1-11
The Panting HartPsalm 42:1-11
The Religious Aspects of a Soul in EarnestHomilistPsalm 42:1-11
The Soul Compared to a HindA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 42:1-11
The Soul of Man has no Resource Independent of GodPsalm 42:1-11
The Soul's Thirst for GodBishop Harvey Goodwin.Psalm 42:1-11
Thirsting for GodG. Thacker.Psalm 42:1-11
Thirsting for GodC. Bradley, M. A.Psalm 42:1-11
Thirsting for GodG. Hunsworth, M. A.Psalm 42:1-11
Thirsting for GodJ. Parker, D. D.Psalm 42:1-11
People
Hermonites, Korah, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bowest, Cast, Confess, Countenance, Crushed, Despair, Disquieted, Disturbed, Health, Hope, Moanest, O, Praise, Salvation, Saving, Savior, Soul, Thyself, Troubled, Wait, Within, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 42:11

     5436   pain
     8023   faith, necessity
     8478   self-examination
     8479   self-examination, examples
     8724   doubt, dealing with

Psalm 42:1-11

     5831   depression

Psalm 42:4-11

     8670   remembering

Psalm 42:5-11

     8713   discouragement

Psalm 42:9-11

     5831   depression

Library
July 16. "As the Hart Panteth after the Waterbrooks, So Panteth My Soul after Thee, O God" (Ps. Xlii. 1).
"As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God" (Ps. xlii. 1). First in order to a consecrated life there must be a sense of need, the need of purity, of power, and of a greater nearness to the Lord. There often comes in Christian life a second conviction. It is not now a sense of guilt and God's wrath so much as of the power and evil of inward sin, and the unsatisfactoriness of the life the soul is living. It usually comes from the deeper revelation of God's truth,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Alarum
That is not, however, the topic upon which I now desire to speak to you. I come at this time, not so much to plead for the early as for the awakening. The hour we may speak of at another time--the fact is our subject now. It is bad to awake late, but what shall be said of those who never awake at all? Better late than never: but with many it is to be feared it will be never. I would take down the trumpet and give a blast, or ring the alarm-bell till all the faculties of the sluggard's manhood are
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Knox Little -- Thirst Satisfied
William John Knox Little, English preacher, was born 1839 and educated at Cambridge University. He has filled many parochial cures, and in 1881 was appointed canon of Worcester, and sub-dean in 1902. He also holds the vicarage of Hoar Cross (1885). He is of high repute as a preacher and is in much request all over England. He belongs to the High Church school and has printed, besides his sermons, many works of educational character, such as the "Treasury of Meditation," "Manual of Devotion for Lent,"
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

Be not Far from Me, O My Strength,
"Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of Thy waterspouts; all Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." -- Psalm 42:7,8. Be not far from me, O my strength, Whom all my times obey; Take from me anything Thou wilt; But go not Thou away, -- And let the storm that does Thy work Deal with me as it may. On Thy compassion I repose, In weakness and distress:
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations

Longing for the Courts of the Lord's House. --Ps. Xlii.
Longing for the Courts of the Lord's House.--Ps. xlii. As the hart, with eager looks, Panteth for the water-brooks, So my soul, athirst for Thee, Pants the loving God to see: When, O when, with filial fear, Lord, shall I to Thee draw near? Tears my food by night, by day, Grief consumes my strength away; While his craft the Tempter plies, "Where is now Thy God?" he cries; This would sink me to despair But I pour my soul in prayer. For, in happier times, I went, Where the multitudes frequent; I,
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

As Pants the Wearied Hart for Cooling Springs
[1190]Pax Dei: John Bacchus Dykes, 1868 Psalm 42 Latin Version by Robert Lowth, 1753; Tr. George Gregory, 1787 DOXOLOGY As pants the wearied hart for cooling springs, That sinks exhausted in the summer's chase, So pants my soul for thee, great King of kings, So thirsts to reach thy sacred dwelling place. Lord, thy sure mercies, ever in my sight, My heart shall gladden through the tedious day; And midst the dark and gloomy shades of night, To thee, my God, I'll tune the grateful lay. Why faint,
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA

Questions which Ought to be Asked
ELIHU PERCEIVED the great ones of the earth oppressing the needy, and he traced their domineering tyranny to their forgetfulness of God: "None saith, Where is God my Maker?" Surely, had they thought of God they could not have acted so unjustly. Worse still, if I understand Elihu aright, he complained that even among the oppressed there was the same departure in heart from the Lord: they cried out by reason of the arm of the mighty, but unhappily they did not cry unto God their Maker, though he waits
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

1 to Pray Does not Imply that Without Prayer God Would not Give us Anything...
1. To pray does not imply that without prayer God would not give us anything or that He would be unaware of our needs, but it has this great advantage, that in the attitude of prayer the soul is best fitted to receive the Giver of blessing as well as those blessings He desires to bestow. Thus it was that the fullness of the Spirit was not poured out upon the Apostles on the first day, but after ten days of special preparation. If a blessing were conferred upon one without a special readiness for
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Kingdom Divided
THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS: Jonah Page Amos Page Isaiah Page OUTLINE FOR STUDY OF PROPHETICAL BOOKS 1. Class. 2. Commission of Prophet. 3. Biographical Description of Prophet. 4. Title of Prophet. 5. Historical Place. (a) Name of Kingdom. (b) Names of Kings. 6. Outline of Contents. 7. Prophecies of Earthly Kings or Kingdoms. 8. Prophecies of Christ. 9. Prophecies of Christ's Kingdom. 10. Leading Phrases. 11. Leading Chapters. 12. Leading Teachings. 13. Questions. 14. Items of Special Interest.
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

His Past Work.
His past work was accomplished by Him when he became incarnate. It was finished when He died on Calvary's cross. We have therefore to consider first of all these fundamentals of our faith. I. The Work of the Son of God is foreshadowed and predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures. II. The incarnation of the Son of God. III. His Work on the cross and what has been accomplished by it. I. Through the Old Testament Scriptures, God announced beforehand the work of His Son. This is a great theme and one
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
Eranistes and Orthodoxus. Eran.--I am come as I promised. 'Tis yours to adopt one of two alternatives, and either furnish a solution of my difficulties, or assent to what I and my friends lay down. Orth.--I accept your challenge, for I think it right and fair. But we must first recall to mind at what point we left off our discourse yesterday, and what was the conclusion of our argument. Eran.--I will remind you of the end. I remember our agreeing that the divine Word remained immutable, and took
Theodoret—The Ecclesiastical History of Theodoret

The Exile.
David's first years at the court of Saul in Gibeah do not appear to have produced any psalms which still survive. "The sweetest songs are those Which tell of saddest thought." It was natural, then, that a period full of novelty and of prosperous activity, very unlike the quiet days at Bethlehem, should rather accumulate materials for future use than be fruitful in actual production. The old life shut to behind him for ever, like some enchanted door in a hill-side, and an unexplored land lay beckoning
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

"But it is Good for Me to Draw Near to God: I have Put My Trust in the Lord God, that I May Declare all Thy
Psal. lxxiii. 28.--"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works." After man's first transgression, he was shut out from the tree of life, and cast out of the garden, by which was signified his seclusion and sequestration from the presence of God, and communion with him: and this was in a manner the extermination of all mankind in one, when Adam was driven out of paradise. Now, this had been an eternal separation for any thing that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Motives to Holy Mourning
Let me exhort Christians to holy mourning. I now persuade to such a mourning as will prepare the soul for blessedness. Oh that our hearts were spiritual limbecs, distilling the water of holy tears! Christ's doves weep. They that escape shall be like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity' (Ezekiel 7:16). There are several divine motives to holy mourning: 1 Tears cannot be put to a better use. If you weep for outward losses, you lose your tears. It is like a shower
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
1. A brief recapitulation of the leading points of the whole discussion. The scope of this chapter. The necessity of the doctrine of faith. This doctrine obscured by the Schoolmen, who make God the object of faith, without referring to Christ. The Schoolmen refuted by various passages. 2. The dogma of implicit faith refuted. It destroys faith, which consists in a knowledge of the divine will. What this will is, and how necessary the knowledge of it. 3. Many things are and will continue to be implicitly
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Rules to be Observed in Singing of Psalms.
1. Beware of singing divine psalms for an ordinary recreation, as do men of impure spirits, who sing holy psalms intermingled with profane ballads: They are God's word: take them not in thy mouth in vain. 2. Remember to sing David's psalms with David's spirit (Matt. xxii. 43.) 3. Practise St. Paul's rule--"I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing with the understanding also." (1 Cor. xiv. 15.) 4. As you sing uncover your heads (1 Cor. xi. 4), and behave yourselves in comely reverence as in the
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Letter Xl to Thomas, Prior of Beverley
To Thomas, Prior of Beverley This Thomas had taken the vows of the Cistercian Order at Clairvaux. As he showed hesitation, Bernard urges his tardy spirit to fulfil them. But the following letter will prove that it was a warning to deaf ears, where it relates the unhappy end of Thomas. In this letter Bernard sketches with a master's hand the whole scheme of salvation. Bernard to his beloved son Thomas, as being his son. 1. What is the good of words? An ardent spirit and a strong desire cannot express
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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