2–3. A vivid characteristic of the feeling of oppressive anguish and dissatisfaction that the writer experienced at a distance from the church. Life near the latter was as necessary for his soul as water to quench the thirst of a fallow deer. — "To the mighty and living God" — omnipotent in power and eternal. — "In the presence of God" — before the altar of the temple, or in the sanctuary, as a place of God's special and constant presence.

4. My tears were bread to me day and night, when they spoke to me every day; "Where is thy God?"

4. "My tears were... bread day and night" — I fed only on my tears, that is, I could not take any food, so that I would not be overwhelmed by a bitter feeling from the consciousness of abandonment by God, which was supported by the faint-hearted people around me, who with bewilderment and despair asked every day: "Where is your God?" Why is there no help from Him whom you served?

5. Remembering this, I pour out my soul, because I walked in multitudes, entered with them into the house of God with a voice of joy and praise of the celebrating assembly. 6. Why are you discouraged, O my soul, and why are you troubled? Trust in God, for I will still glorify Him, my Saviour and my God.

6. This state of oppression of spirit, naturally caused by the psalmist's plight, did not turn into despair. He found in himself enough living faith in God and comforted himself with hope: "Trust in God: for I will still glorify Him, my Savior and my God." He believes that God will not abandon his righteous man.

My soul is discouraged within me; therefore I remember Thee from the land of Jordan, from Hermon, from Mount Zoar.

7. Mount Zoar – must read – Mount Mizar. It is not known exactly where this mountain is located, but it is certain that it was one of the low peaks of Mount Hermon near Mahanaim, where the writer of the psalm was located. This area was very far from Jerusalem and the Tabernacle, and therefore the feeling of despondency that grew in the writer as he moved away from the temple is understandable.

8. The abyss calls the abyss with the voice of Thy waterfalls; all Thy waters and Thy waves have passed over me.

8. The main peaks of Mount Hermon rose 12 thousand feet above sea level and were covered with snow. The melting of the latter formed streams of water that noisily fell down the cliffs. These streams took on formidable proportions when they were intensified by heavy rains. Then they fell down with a terrible noise, tore down trees and carried huge stones with them. The noise of these waters was especially great and menacing because the water fell from the steep cliffs. — "The abyss calls the abyss" — after one mass of water, after one formidable stream, another rushes. With this comparison of the picture observed by the writer, he wanted to indicate the strength and impetuosity of the real disasters of exile that he was experiencing: "Thy waters and waves" – the calamities sent by Thee, are numerous and formidable, like the streams of Hermon.

9. By day the Lord will show His mercy, and by night I will sing a song to Him, a prayer to the God of my life.

9. But these calamities could not shake the exile's faith in God. He expects mercy from Him, and by this faith he lives day and night.

10. I will say to God, my intercessor, Why have you forgotten me? Why do I walk in lamentation from the insults of the enemy? 11. My enemies mock me as if they were smearing at my bones, when they say to me every day, "Where is your God?" 12. Why are you discouraged, O my soul, and why are you troubled? Trust in God, for I will still glorify Him, my Saviour and my God.

Psalm 42

1. Judge me, O God, and enter into my litigation with an unkind people. Deliver me from a wicked and unjust man;