Psalm 42:3

My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, "Where is your God?"

Study Bible

My tears have been my food
This phrase poignantly captures the depth of the psalmist's sorrow. The Hebrew word for "tears" is "דִּמְעָה" (dima), which conveys a sense of deep emotional weeping. In the ancient Near Eastern context, tears were often seen as a physical manifestation of one's soul's anguish. The metaphor of tears being "food" suggests that the psalmist's grief is so consuming that it has replaced physical sustenance. This imagery reflects a profound spiritual hunger and longing for God's presence, which is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms.

day and night
The phrase "day and night" emphasizes the continual nature of the psalmist's distress. In Hebrew, "יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה" (yomam va-layla) suggests an unending cycle, indicating that the psalmist's sorrow is relentless and pervasive. This expression also underscores the idea that the psalmist's longing for God is not limited to specific times but is a constant, all-consuming desire. Historically, this reflects the ancient practice of seeking God both in the morning and evening, symbolizing a life wholly devoted to divine communion.

while men say to me all day long
Here, the psalmist introduces the external voices that exacerbate his internal turmoil. The Hebrew word "אָמַר" (amar) for "say" implies a repeated, perhaps mocking, questioning of the psalmist's faith. The phrase "all day long" (כָּל־הַיּוֹם, kol-hayom) suggests that these taunts are incessant, adding to the psalmist's distress. This reflects the historical context of Israel, where surrounding nations often questioned the power and presence of Israel's God, especially during times of national distress or exile.

Where is your God?
This question strikes at the heart of the psalmist's anguish. In Hebrew, "אֵי אֱלֹהֶיךָ" (ei elohecha) challenges the visible evidence of God's presence and power. This taunt is not just a personal attack but a theological one, questioning the very nature and faithfulness of God. In the scriptural context, such questions were common during periods of suffering or exile, when God's people felt abandoned. For the conservative Christian, this echoes the trials of faith faced by believers throughout history, reminding them of the importance of steadfast trust in God's unseen presence and promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Psalmist
The author of Psalm 42, traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites and temple musicians. The psalmist expresses deep emotional turmoil and longing for God.

2. God
The central figure whom the psalmist seeks and longs for amidst his distress and the taunts of others.

3. Adversaries
The people who taunt the psalmist, questioning the presence and faithfulness of God in his life.

4. Tears
Symbolic of the psalmist's deep sorrow and continuous mourning, representing his emotional and spiritual state.

5. Day and Night
Indicates the unceasing nature of the psalmist's distress and longing for God's presence.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Suffering
Suffering is a part of the human experience, even for the faithful. The psalmist's tears remind us that it is normal to feel overwhelmed and question God's presence during difficult times.

The Power of Lament
Lament is a biblical way to express sorrow and seek God. It is a form of prayer that acknowledges pain while still reaching out to God, demonstrating faith even in doubt.

Faith Amidst Doubt
The psalmist's questioning, "Where is your God?" reflects a struggle with doubt. Yet, this questioning can lead to a deeper faith as we seek answers and reassurance from God.

Community and Support
The psalmist's experience highlights the importance of community. Believers should support one another, especially when facing taunts or doubts about God's presence.

Hope in God's Faithfulness
Despite the psalmist's tears and the taunts of others, there is an underlying hope in God's faithfulness. Trusting in God's character and past faithfulness can sustain us through trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the psalmist's expression of sorrow in Psalm 42:3 resonate with your own experiences of distress or questioning God's presence?

2. In what ways can the practice of lament, as seen in this psalm, be incorporated into your personal prayer life?

3. How can you support others in your community who may be experiencing similar feelings of abandonment or questioning God's presence?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you find reassurance in His faithfulness, and what scriptures helped you during that time?

5. How can the themes of Psalm 42:3 encourage you to maintain hope and faith in God, even when faced with doubts or the taunts of others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 6:6
This verse also speaks of tears and weeping, showing a similar expression of sorrow and seeking God in times of distress.

Job 30:20
Job's lament about crying out to God and feeling unheard parallels the psalmist's experience of questioning and seeking God amidst suffering.

Matthew 27:46
Jesus' cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" echoes the feeling of abandonment and questioning of God's presence.