Why are you cast down

Structure

Repeated alternation:

A1 | 42:1-3 Cry from afar

B1 | 42:4 Hope “I remember”

C1 | 42:5 Appeal “Why cast down”

| Praise

A2 | 42:6, 7 Cry from afar

B2 | 42:8-10 Hope “Yahweh will command”, etc

C2 | 43:1, 2 Appeal “Why cast down”

| Praise

A3 | 43:1, 2 Cry from afar

B3 | 43:3, 4 Hope “I will go”

C3 | 43:5 Appeal “Why cast down?”

| Praise

It would appear from the content of these two Psalms that they could be one unit. Bullinger’s alternating structure strongly suggests this. Whether this is so or not, there is certainly strong connections through the three alternating sections.

It is described as a “Maschil” poem/song, giving the piece a characteristic of relating to an intelligent knowledge of the reason for its composition. There’s the process of thinking through a complex arrangement of thoughts culminating in wise dealing and the use of good practical common sense with the emphasis upon being successful.

It is describpantsed as a “Maschil” poem/song, giving the piece a characteristic of relating to an intelligent knowledge of the reason for its composition. There’s the process of thinking through a complex arrangement of thoughts culminating in wise dealing and the use of good practical common sense with the emphasis upon being successful.

“As the deer pants” strengthens the notion of a successful end; the panting is a strong, audible thirsting, the confident end being the slaking of that strong desire for water. The simile here reflrects the strong desire of the writer [David?] to be able to see the LORD with his eyes. Which, if a correct interpretation shows the fulness of David’s understanding that the end-product of a successful life of discipleship will be graciously obtained - hence, then, the strength of his desire.

Do we match that?

42:1

As the deer pants for the water brooks,So pants my soul for You, O God.

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