Psalm 42 & 43: Fostering a sense of yearning and expectation for God

Biblical Reflections

Psalms 42 and 43 go together as a song with three stanzas, and they share a refrain. This is a lament in which the singer cries out about enemies who despise God and prevent his faithful servants from worshipping in the Sanctuary. Here the emphasis is on the community singing praises to God as the corporate worship. Such singing fosters a sense of yearning and expectation in the faithful as they look for God’s presence. Stated simply, this is the yearning for God.

1-5 – Here is a poetic expression of the soul yearning for God as the deer thirsts for a flowing stream. The soul’s yearning for God is only satisfied in the singing of public worship at the Sanctuary.

6-11 – The singer is geographically separated from God north of the Sea of Galilee near Mt. Hermon. Verse 7 is a cryptic use of surging water, flowing streams and the roaring sea. Deep calls to deep, perhaps speaks to two things. First, the roaring waters are the troubles that flow over the singer and his deep need for God. Second, only the deep water of God can satisfy the singer’s need. Likely this is a call from the depth of despair to the depth of God’s goodness.

Psalm 43

1-5 – The singer asks God to vindicate him against the wicked who prevent him from worshipping at the Sanctuary. God’s light and truth are personified as guides who will lead him back to God’s holy hill.