Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.
Why art thou cast down {H7817}{H8709)}, O my soul {H5315}? and why art thou disquieted {H1993}{H8799)} in me? hope {H3176}{H8685)} thou in God {H430}: for I shall yet praise {H3034}{H8686)} him for the help {H3444} of his countenance {H6440}.
My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for the salvation that comes from his presence.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Andwhy art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him Forthe help of his countenance.
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Psalms 37:7
¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. -
Hebrews 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. -
Hebrews 10:37
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. -
Psalms 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I. -
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. -
Psalms 56:3
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. -
Psalms 27:13
[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalm 42:5 captures a profound moment of self-reflection and spiritual struggle, where the psalmist, likely one of the Sons of Korah, directly addresses his own soul. This verse serves as a pivotal turning point within the psalm, moving from deep lament to an act of faith and self-exhortation.
Context
This verse is part of Psalm 42, which, along with Psalm 43, forms a single poetic unit characterized by a repeated refrain. The psalmist expresses intense spiritual longing and distress, feeling far from God's presence, much like a deer pants for water. The preceding verses detail his tears and sorrow, as he remembers former days of joy in God's house. Verse 5 represents a deliberate act of faith, where the troubled soul is commanded to shift its focus from despair to divine hope.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Psalm 42:5 offers timeless guidance for navigating personal despair: