Psalm 42: Spiritual Depression, Part 1

With this exposition, we are beginning Book Two in our series in the Psalms.When considering the flow of the psalms, O. Palmer Robertson views the theme in Book One as confrontation, while the theme in Book Two is communication. We will notice how the name of God is emphasized in Book One in comparison to Book Two. In Book One, heavy emphasis is placed upon the name Yahweh (LORD) in reference to God. Book Two places emphasis upon the name Elohim. It could be that Book One has a national perspective, while Book Two is more international in scope.

Psalm 42 and 43 should be considered together. The superscription speaks of The Sons of Korah. Numbers 16 provides us with background concerning these men. In Psalms 42 and 43, notice the repeated question Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? (42:5, 11; 43:5). Note that the antidote is to instill hope in God. Today, and next Sunday, we will seek to understand and address the matter of the downcast soul.

As We Consider The Nature Of The Downcast Soul, Note. . .- How The Past Is Being Remembered. (1-4)
– How The LORD Is Being Viewed. (5-8)
– How The Questions Are Being Answered. (9-11)