Grace Institute: The Writings : Psalms Part 4

Psalms Survey of the Old Testament: The Writings Fall 2006

Sample Lament: Psalm 42-43

The Style

Individual Lament. Most scholars believe these two Psalms are actually one complete Psalm, as will become evident in the study of the structure.

The Situation

The Psalmist feels as though God is distant from him and no longer involved in his life.

The Structure

Introductory Appeal (42:1-2)

The Psalmist appeals for God to be involved with him. He earnestly is seeking after God and wonders when God will intervene.

The Lament (42:3-10)

• The I (vs. 3-4)
  • My tears have been in my food (vs. 3)
  • I remember when I led people in worship (vs. 4)
• The You (vs. 6-7)
  • I remember You from Jordan , Hermon, and Mizar (vs. 6)
  • Your waterfalls, Your brea kers, Your waves have rolled over me (vs. 7)
  • Why have You forgotten me? (vs. 9)
• The They (vs. 9-10)
  • The oppression of my enemy (vs. 9)
  • My adversaries revile me (vs. 10a)
  • They say, where is your God' (vs. 3, 10b)

The Confession of Trust (42:5, 8, 11)

At the end of each lament section is a brief confession of faith, with verses 5 and 11 being virtually the same confession. The Psalmist asks why he is in despair, for if he knows if he puts his hope in God, He shall again praise Him and find help. In verse 8 the Psalmist confesses that the Lord is full of lovingkindness, and so his song will be with him in the midst of despair.

The Petition (43:1-3)

The Psalmist asks God to vindicate him and del iver him from those who are unjust (vs. 1). Furth ermore, he asks God to guide him into light and truth as he seeks after God's presence again (vs. 3). His appeal to God is based on God's strength (vs. 2)

The Praise (43:4-5)

When God del ivers him, he will go to the altar in joy and praise God with his lyre. The Psalm then concludes with the same confession of faith found in 42:5 and 11.

The Significance

The Psalmist is wavering between despair and hope. He feels as though God has abandoned him, and yet he knows God's strength and God's lovingkindness. It is natural for us to struggle between despair and hope. Faith doesn't mean we are always in hope, but that we act according to the nature of God in the midst of our despair.

[Next: Psalm 51]