1. Psalm 42:1–11 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

Introduction to Psalm 42

Psalm 42:1–11 (ESV)

1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.

There is much to be said for considering Psalm 42 and 43 as a unity. Psalm 43 begins without a title and offers a logical continuation of Psalm 42. This is particularly argued by the fact that both Psalms are connected by the same chorus (Psalm 42:5, Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5).

The ESV does not translate the Hebrew word maskil. One can think of an artful song here. The words have been chosen with great care. Every attentive reader will discover that.

This song originated in the circle of the Korahites. These descendants of Levi were appointed as singers at the tabernacle and the temple (1 Chronicles 15:16; 2 Chronicles 20:19).