Psalms 42:8

[Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

Yet the LORD {H3068} will command {H6680}{H8762)} his lovingkindness {H2617} in the daytime {H3119}, and in the night {H3915} his song {H7892} shall be with me, and my prayer {H8605} unto the God {H410} of my life {H2416}.

By day ADONAI commands his grace, and at night his song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.

The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.

Yet Jehovah will command his lovingkindness in the day-time; And in the night his song shall be with me, Evena prayer unto the God of my life.

Commentary

Psalms 42:8 offers a profound declaration of hope and trust amidst deep spiritual distress. In this verse, the psalmist, who has been lamenting his separation from God and feeling overwhelmed by life's troubles, expresses a confident expectation of God's continuous presence and unfailing love, turning his sorrow into a song of faith and prayer.

Context

Psalm 42 is a heartfelt lament from the Sons of Korah, likely composed by someone longing for God's presence, feeling cast down and disquieted due to difficult circumstances, possibly exile or separation from the temple in Jerusalem. The psalmist's soul "thirsteth for God" (Psalms 42:2), and he repeatedly asks, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God" (Psalms 42:5 and Psalms 43:5). Verse 8 acts as a pivotal turning point, affirming an active faith in God's future intervention despite the present pain.

Key Themes

  • God's Steadfast Love (Lovingkindness): The central promise is that "the LORD will command his lovingkindness." This refers to God's enduring faithfulness, often called chesed (Hebrew), a covenantal love that is loyal, merciful, and unwavering. It's not just a feeling but an active, commanded blessing.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Assurance: The word "command" (Hebrew: tsavah) highlights God's absolute authority. The psalmist isn't hoping God might be kind, but that He will definitively order His love to manifest.
  • Continuous Presence (Day and Night): God's lovingkindness is promised for the "daytime," and "in the night his song shall be with me." This signifies God's constant watchfulness and comfort, providing solace and a reason for praise regardless of the time or circumstance. The psalmist anticipates a song from God even in the deepest darkness.
  • Prayer as Connection: Coupled with God's song is "my prayer unto the God of my life." This reveals the psalmist's active response to God's presenceโ€”a continuous communion through prayer. It affirms God as the source and sustainer of his very existence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lovingkindness" is chesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“), a rich theological term encompassing mercy, loyalty, faithfulness, and covenant love. It describes God's unwavering commitment to His people, going beyond mere benevolence to an active, steadfast devotion. The phrase "command his lovingkindness" suggests God's sovereign initiative in bestowing this steadfast love. The "song" (Hebrew: shir) in the night implies a divinely inspired melody of comfort or praise that enables the believer to respond to God's goodness even in sorrow.

Practical Application

Psalms 42:8 offers immense encouragement for believers navigating trials. It reminds us that even when our souls are cast down and we feel distant from God, His chesed remains constant and active. We can rest in the assurance that God is sovereign and will command His love to be present in our lives, both in moments of light and in the deepest shadows. This verse calls us to maintain a constant practice of prayer and supplication, recognizing God as the "God of our life" who sustains us. It teaches us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and anticipate God's provision of comfort and a song of praise, even through the night seasons.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 149:5 (10 votes)

    Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

  • Psalms 16:7 (10 votes)

    I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

  • Psalms 63:6 (10 votes)

    When I remember thee upon my bed, [and] meditate on thee in the [night] watches.

  • Deuteronomy 28:8 (8 votes)

    The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

  • Job 35:10 (8 votes)

    But none saith, Where [is] God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

  • Psalms 133:3 (6 votes)

    As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.

  • Matthew 8:8 (5 votes)

    The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.