Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 42:9
I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
9. I will say ] Or, Let me say, the tense (voluntative, as in Psa 42:4) emphatically expressing his resolution.
my rock ] The word, lit. my cliff or crag ( sela), is used of God as a refuge only in Psa 18:2 (= 2Sa 22:2); Psa 31:3 (=Psa 71:3). On the more common word for rock ( tsr) see note on Psa 18:2 (A.V. my strength).
The original edition of the A.V. (1611) has unto God, My rock, why; treating my rock as a vocative, with LXX and Jerome. Editions of 1612 and 1630 have God, my rock, why: and the usual punctuation God my rock, Why appears to have been introduced in editions of 1629, 1638. See Scrivener, Authorised Ed. of the English Bible, p. 165.
Why &c.] Not a demand for explanation, but the expostulation of perplexity. Cp. Psa 13:1; Psa 22:1; Psa 77:9; Psa 88:14.
mourning ] Cp. Psa 35:14, Psa 38:6; Job 30:28.
because of the oppression of the enemy ] Or, as R.V. marg. (cp. P.B.V.), while the enemy oppresseth. The substantive occurs in the Psalter only here and in Psa 43:2; Psa 44:24; the verb only in Psa 56:1; Psa 106:42. Both are used elsewhere, especially of the oppression of Israel by foreign invaders (Jdg 2:18; 1Sa 10:18 ; 2Ki 13:4; Amo 6:14; &c.).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
9 11. Having thus recalled God’s mercy in the past he expostulates with Him for having abandoned him, and exposed him to the sneers of his enemies.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
I will say unto God my rock – I will appeal to God as my defense, my helper, my Saviour. On the word rock, as applied to God, see the notes at Psa 18:2.
Why hast thou forgotten me? – See the notes at Psa 22:1. He had seemed to forget and forsake him, for He did not come to interpose and save him. This is a part of the prayer which he says Psa 42:8 that he would use.
Why go I mourning? – On the meaning of the word used here – qoder – see Psa 35:14, note; Psa 38:6, note. The idea is that of being bowed down, made sad, deeply afflicted, as one forsaken.
Because of the oppression of the enemy – In the oppression of the enemy; that is, during its continuance, or on account of it. The word here rendered oppression means distress, affliction, straits, Job 36:15; 1Ki 22:27; Isa 30:20. The enemy here referred to may have been Absalom, who had driven him from his throne and kingdom.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 42:9
I will say unto God my Rock, Why hast Thou forgotten me?
why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Davids expostulation with God
I. The preface or introduction. I will say unto God, etc.
1. The terms upon which David addresses himself to God. My Rock. This was an expression suitable to the condition which David was now in, and the metaphor which he had it set forth by, to wit, of being in the deep; he had said, the waves and billows went over him, and now, therefore, does he repair to the Rock. The Lord is pleased still in Scripture to represent Himself to us as most agreeable to our present necessities. If we be sick, He is our health; if we be dead, He is our life; if we be pursued, He is our castle; if we be assaulted, He is our shield; if we be ready to sink under dangers and calamities, He is then our Rock (Psa 18:2; Psa 89:26; Psa 94:22). It is a small booty to us, for God to be a rock, except He be ours, and therefore David adds this to the other. Not only the rock which I have right to, but also the rock which I have proof and trial of in former proceedings. I have made Him my rock by faith, He has made Himself my rock by love. Thus the servants of God, as they go confidently where they have interest, so they go more confidently still there where they have experience (Psa 57:2).
2. His preparation of himself to this address. I will say.
(1) A word of premeditation and advice. David being now to come before God, and to address himself unto Him, does not come to Him hand over head, he cares not how; but he thinks first with himself what he will utter and speak before Him when he shall come into His presence.
(2) A word of resolution. David had tried other ways, he had spoken to his own soul already, and that would not do the deed; and now he resolves to go to God Himself, and to fasten his complaints upon Him, or at least to spread them before Him, and to desire His relief of Him in them. And this is what all Christians should resolve on; it is the best course which can be taken.
II. The expostulation itself. Why hast Thou, etc.
1. Look upon this complaint as it refers to God. Why hast Thou forgotten me? This may be understood either as such which there was causes and ground for indeed, or else as such which was so only according to Davids apprehension.
(1) God does sometimes so carry Himself towards His servants as if He had forgotten them, while He suffers them to continue and abide under sundry evils which they fall into. God forgets them that so they may remember themselves. The servants of God in prosperity, and in the enjoyment of all things to their minds, are apt very often to wander and go astray, and to go out of the way; now desertion it brings them in again and reduces them, and recovers them to themselves (Luk 15:17; 1Ki 8:47; Psa 119:67). As God forgets His people that so they may remember themselves, so also sometimes that they may remember Him (Isa 17:10). That they may remember others (Amo 6:6).
(2) As we may look upon this forgetting as so indeed, so we may look upon it as being so only in Davids apprehension, and so signifying thus much unto us, that Gods servants are apt to think God forgets them, even then when He is yet mindful of them. From want of due understanding and consideration of the manner of Gods dealings. From impatience and too much haste.
2. As it refers to himself.
(1) He expostulates about the occasion. Why go I mourning? The occasions hereof to Gods people are sundry and various: as
(a) their own sins, and the corruptions which do cleave unto them.
(b) The sins of others. Gods children go mourning for these also.
(c) For their own and others afflictions.
(2) He expostulates as to the affection. Why go I mourning? that is, Why do I mourn in this excess, as I now perceive myself to do? This is that which the servants of God are oftentimes troubled withal, even the inordinacy and distemper of their affections, when they go beyond their due measure and bounds; not only as it is painful, but as it is sinful.
(3) This expostulation hath reference to the adversaries and opposites of David, Because of the oppression of the enemy. (Thomas Herren, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 9. I will say unto God my rock] God, my Fortress and Support.
Why hast thou forgotten meat] This and the following verse is badly pointed in our Bibles: “Why go I mourning as with a sword in my bones because of the oppression of the enemy? Mine enemies reproach me daily, while they say unto me, Where is thy God?” See on Ps 42:3. Their reproaches are to my soul as cutting and severe as a sword thrust into my body, and separating between my bones; because these reproaches are intended to fall on thee, my God, as if thou hadst not power to save us from the hands of our oppressors.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
I will say unto God; I will expostulate the case with him.
My rock; who hath formerly been a sure refuge to me.
Why hast thou forgotten me? why dost thou now seem quite to forget and neglect me? Why go I mourning? why dost thou leave me in this mournful state, and not succour me speedily?
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
9, 10. in view of which [Ps42:8], he dictates to himself a prayer based on his distress,aggravated as it was by the cruel taunts and infidel suggestions ofhis foes.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
I will say unto God my rock,…. A name frequently given to the eternal God, Father, Son, and Spirit, De 32:4;
[See comments on Ps 18:2];
why hast thou forgotten me? [See comments on Ps 13:1];
why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? meaning perhaps Saul; though it may be applied to any spiritual enemy, sin, Satan, and the world; who are very oppressive and afflicting, and occasion continual mourning to the children of God.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
9. I will say to God my rock If we read the preceding verse in the past tense, the meaning of this verse will be, Since God has, in this way, heretofore shown himself so kind towards me, I will pray to him now with so much the greater confidence: for the experience which I have had of his goodness will inspire me with courage. But if the preceding verse is rendered in the future tense, David, in this verse, combines the prayer which it contains with the reflections which faith led him to make. And, surely, whoever, from a persuasion of the paternal love of God, anticipates for himself the same favor which David has just described, will also be induced from his example to pray for it with greater confidence. The meaning, then, will be this: Since I expect that God will be favorable to me, inasmuch as by day he manifests his favor towards me, and continues to do this, so that even by night I have occasion to praise him, I will bewail the more frankly my miseries before him, saying, O Lord! my rock, why hast thou forgotten me? In making such a complaint, the faithful are not to be understood as meaning that God has utterly rejected them: for if they did not believe that they were under his care and protection, it were in vain for them to call upon him. But they speak in this manner according to the sense of the flesh. This forgetfulness, then, relates both to outward appearance, and to the disquietude by which the faithful are troubled according to the flesh, although, in the meantime, they rest assured by faith that God regards them, and will not be deaf to their request.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(9) Apparently we have now the very words of the prayer just mentioned.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. I will say unto God That is, in order to bring about the deliverance just assured, “I will say,” etc. He will urge his cause to this end.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
In this confidence he will look up to his rock with joy, and he will look round on the insulting foe with indifference. Doth the foe demand where is now thy God? Where should he be, but always engaged for the defense of his people? Oh! the blessedness of staying upon God in darkness, and trusting in him when the waters of the sanctuary run low. Isa 50:10 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 42:9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Ver. 9. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? ] Tene veto mei immemorem esse? Thus I will in a familiar manner expostulate with him, and lay my case open unto him, as to a friend. The flesh suggesteth that he is forgotten, but faith holdeth its own, fastening on the Rock of ages.
Why go I mourning
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psa 42:9-11
9I will say to God my rock, Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,
While they say to me all day long, Where is your God?
11Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
Psa 42:9-11 Do you see the intended parallel with Psa 42:3; Psa 42:10; Psa 42:5; Psa 42:11?
This is like a reinforcing summary. The psalmist feels alone (Psa 42:9 a), attacked (Psa 42:9 b), discouraged (Psa 42:11 a,b). How should he respond?
1. wait same form as Psa 42:5
2. praise BDB 392, KB 389, Hiphil cohortative
3. remember the God of Psa 42:8 and his former worship times with Him in Psa 42:4. Faith projects forward and builds on past acts of trust.
Psa 42:9 my rock See note at Psa 18:1-3.
Psa 42:10 The words of his adversaries were so painful that the psalmist describes them as death in his bones. Words do hurt. They can destroy. They reveal the heart and one day every human will give an account to God for his/her words (cf. Mat 12:36-37).
Psa 42:11 d This last noun clause functions like the noun clause of Psa 42:8 c. It is an affirmation of God’s presence and care! He is with us and for us!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. In Book 2 (Psalms 42-72) of the Psalms there are two names for Deity that occur most often.
a. Elohim
b. YHWH
Explain what they mean.
2. How is living God a play on YHWH?
3. Is the author
a. a Levite?
b. in exile?
4. Where is Mt. Mizar?
5. Who would say, Where is your God?
6. Why is it thought that Psalms 42, 43 were once one Psalm?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
GOD. Hebrew El. App-4. In edition of 1611 this was printed “My God”.
rock = mountain crag, or fortress. Hebrew. sela’. See note on Deu 32:13. Deu 18:1, Deu 18:2.
forgotten. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Psa 42:9-10
Psa 42:9-10
“I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me?
Why go I mourning before the oppression of the enemy?
As with a sword in my bones, mine adversaries reproach me,
While they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?”
Again we find it difficult indeed to suppose that such words as these could belong to anyone other than some sufferer in the kind of sorrow and oppression that belonged to captive Israelites.
These verses outline the psalmist’s intention to go on with his praying, telling God of his oppression, and the arrogant taunts of his captors, and asking God why he is still suffering as if God has forgotten him.
E.M. Zerr:
Psa 42:9. This talking-to-himself sort of discussion was a form of exhortation intended by David to get himself out of the mire of despondency. It was also for the purpose of advice for those who would read his writing.
Psa 42:10. David compared the thrusts of his enemies to the wounds caused by a sword. He was always greatly grieved when the reality of God was questioned.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
God: Psa 18:2, Psa 28:1, Psa 62:2, Psa 62:6, Psa 62:7, Psa 78:35
Why hast: Psa 13:1, Psa 22:1, Psa 22:2, Psa 44:23, Psa 44:24, Psa 77:9, Isa 40:27, Isa 49:15
why go: Psa 38:6, Psa 43:2, Psa 88:9, Job 30:26-31
because: Psa 55:3, Ecc 4:1, Lam 5:1-16
Reciprocal: 2Sa 22:2 – General 2Sa 23:3 – the Rock 1Ki 8:38 – the plague Job 30:28 – General Psa 18:46 – blessed Psa 74:1 – O God Dan 10:2 – I Daniel Mar 15:34 – why
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
In his prayer, he would also ask God the reason for his continuing physical and emotional distress. The repeated taunt of his enemies would hopefully move God to deliver him (cf. Psa 42:3).