Psalms 42:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, Maschil {H4905}{H8688)}, for the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}. As the hart {H354} panteth {H6165}{H8799)} after the water {H4325} brooks {H650}, so panteth {H6165}{H8799)} my soul {H5315} after thee, O God {H430}.

For the leader. A maskil of the descendants of Korach: Just as a deer longs for running streams, God, I long for you.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Commentary

Psalms 42:1 KJV: "¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."

Context

Psalm 42 is the beginning of Book Two of the Psalter, often grouped with Psalm 43 as a single poetic unit. It is a "Maschil," meaning an instructive or contemplative psalm, attributed to the "Sons of Korah." The Sons of Korah were a Levitical family, descendants of Korah, who served as temple musicians and gatekeepers. This psalm expresses the deep longing of the psalmist, who is seemingly far from the sanctuary and God's presence, possibly experiencing exile or a period of intense distress. The imagery of the "hart" (a male deer) is particularly poignant, as deer in the arid regions of the ancient Near East would desperately seek water sources, especially during dry seasons or after being hunted.

Key Themes

  • Intense Spiritual Thirst: The central theme is an overwhelming yearning for God, likened to the physical desperation of a thirsty deer. It speaks to a soul that feels incomplete or distressed without the tangible presence and comfort of the Divine.
  • Dependence on God: Just as a deer's survival depends on water, the psalmist acknowledges absolute dependence on God for spiritual sustenance and peace.
  • Longing for God's Presence: The psalm reflects a deep desire for communion with God, particularly in His sanctuary or dwelling place, which the psalmist feels separated from. This longing is a common thread in the Psalms, as seen in Psalm 63:1.
  • Emotional Honesty: The verse immediately sets a tone of raw, honest emotion, expressing profound spiritual need and vulnerability.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hart" is 'ayyal (אַיָּל), referring to a male deer, a creature known for its swiftness and its dependence on water. The verb "panteth" is ta'arog (תַּעֲרֹג), which conveys a strong, almost audible, yearning or braying sound. It's a powerful word that goes beyond mere breathing, suggesting a deep, desperate craving. The parallelism of the verse—"As the hart panteth... so panteth my soul"—is a classic Hebrew poetic device, emphasizing the profound comparison between physical and spiritual longing. The "water brooks" (mayim 'aphiqei) refer to channels or streams of water, vital lifelines in a dry landscape.

Practical Application

Psalms 42:1 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to cultivate a similar deep, active desire for God. In a world full of distractions and temporary satisfactions, this verse calls us to examine the true object of our soul's yearning. When we feel spiritually dry, distant from God, or overwhelmed by life's challenges, this psalm encourages us to respond not with despair, but with an intensified pursuit of God Himself. He is the ultimate source of living water that truly satisfies the soul, echoing the invitation in John 7:37 for those who thirst to come to Christ. Our "panting" for God can manifest through fervent prayer, diligent study of His Word, worship, and seeking His presence in community.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 63:1 (63 votes)

    ¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

  • Psalms 63:2 (63 votes)

    To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

  • Psalms 143:6 (46 votes)

    I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

  • Psalms 143:7 (46 votes)

    ¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

  • Psalms 119:131 (38 votes)

    ¶ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

  • Isaiah 26:8 (35 votes)

    Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of [our] soul [is] to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

  • Isaiah 26:9 (35 votes)

    With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.