Psalms 42:3

Psalm 42:3 powerfully articulates the profound anguish of the psalmist, who is likely one of the Sons of Korah. This verse paints a vivid picture of overwhelming sorrow, where tears become the very sustenance of life, accompanied by the torment of spiritual taunts.

Context

Psalm 42, often paired with Psalm 43, is a lament from the Sons of Korah, a Levitical family of temple musicians. The psalmist is in deep distress, feeling separated from God's sanctuary and the joyous worship of Jerusalem. The preceding verses (Psalm 42:1-2) express an intense spiritual thirst for God, like a deer panting for water. Verse 3 continues this lament, revealing the depth of despair and the added pain of external mocking, likely from adversaries or those who do not share his faith. This setting suggests a time of exile, captivity, or forced separation from the temple, leading to questions about God's presence and power.

Key Themes

• Profound Sorrow and Despair: The phrase "My tears have been my meat day and night" vividly portrays an ceaseless, overwhelming grief. Tears are so constant they have replaced food, becoming the very substance of his existence. This highlights an extreme state of emotional and spiritual suffering.
• Spiritual Taunting and Doubt: The relentless question, "Where is thy God?", is a cruel taunt from those around him. It challenges God's existence, His care, or His ability to intervene. This kind of mocking, especially during times of personal suffering, adds immense psychological and spiritual pain to the psalmist's burden, echoing similar sentiments found in Psalm 115:2.
• Longing for God's Presence: Despite the tears and taunts, the psalmist's distress stems from a deep yearning for God's manifest presence. The pain of the taunts is amplified because he himself is wrestling with feelings of God's absence, even as he longs for Him, as expressed in Psalm 42:1.
• Perseverance in Suffering: Even amidst such despair and questioning, the very act of lamenting to God and recording these feelings in a psalm indicates an underlying, resilient faith that ultimately seeks solace and answers from Him.

Linguistic Insights

• "My tears have been my meat": The Hebrew word for "meat" here is lechem (לֶחֶם), which more broadly means "bread" or "food." This emphasizes that his tears are not just a byproduct of sorrow but have become his constant, unending sustenance, filling the void left by joy and comfort.
• "Where [is] thy God?": The Hebrew phrase 'ey 'eloheykha (אֵי אֱלֹהֶיךָ) is a direct, mocking question. It's designed to wound, implying that if God were truly present or powerful, the psalmist would not be suffering. This rhetorical challenge is a common theme faced by the faithful when enduring hardship.

Practical Application

Psalm 42:3 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. It validates the experience of deep sorrow and spiritual doubt, assuring us that even biblical figures expressed such raw emotions to God. When facing overwhelming grief or when others question our faith during trials, this verse reminds us:

• It is permissible to express profound pain and tears before God. Our suffering is seen and acknowledged by Him.
• The experience of being taunted or questioned for one's faith is not new. Believers throughout history have faced similar challenges, and God understands these pressures.
• Even in the darkest moments, when God feels distant or others mock, our ultimate hope and longing should remain fixed on Him. Like the psalmist, we are called to continue crying out to God, knowing that He is our ultimate help and salvation (Psalm 42:11).