Psalm 42:6

Translations

Modern

O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon—even from Mount Mizar.

Traditional

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Literal

O My God, my soul is downcast within me; upon thus I remember You, from the land of the Jordan and Hermon, from the mount of Mizar.

Latin

…et Deus meus. Ad meipsum anima mea conturbata est: propterea memor ero tui de terra Jordanis et Hermoniim a monte modico.

Original

Hebrew

English

O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon—even from Mount Mizar.

Notes

Psalms 42:6

Mount Hermon is a high mountain range northeast of Israel. The source of the Jordan is by Dan at the foot of Mount Hermon.
Mount Mizar might be a peak in the Mount Hermon range.

Psalms 42:5–6

The psalmist encourages himself with questions and answers.

Psalms 42:1–43:5

These psalms, like Psalms 9 and 10, form a unit with a lament and a bittersweet refrain of hope (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5). Many Hebrew manuscripts combine these two psalms into one.

The historical context is unclear; these psalms might represent God's people in exile, expressing loyalty to God while he punishes them for their ongoing disobedience.

The psalmist longs for the fellowship with God he had in Jerusalem (Psalm 42:4); his memories only deepen his discouragement. As the psalmist cries out to God, he remembers God's love and faithfulness (Psalm 42:8), which leads him to ask for vindication (43:1–4).

Theme notes and profiles

Questions and Doubt

Related verses

Psalm 61:2
From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Jonah 2:7
As my life was fading away, I remembered the LORD. My prayer went up to You, to Your holy temple.
Deuteronomy 3:8–9
At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon—
Psalm 43:4
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.
2 Samuel 17:22
So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.
Psalm 22:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning?
Deuteronomy 4:47–48
They took possession of the land belonging to Sihon and to Og king of Bashan—the two Amorite kings across the Jordan to the east—
Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Psalm 88:1–3
A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You.
Psalm 77:6–11
At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered:
Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Psalm 133:3
It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore.

Places

Jordan: A river and region, significant in Israel's history Mount Hermon: Mountain on the northern border of Israel Mount Mizar: A mountain mentioned in a psalm of lament

Glossary

Book of Jonah David Hermonite Korahite, Korathite Mizar Mount Hermon Music Numbers, Book of Psalms, Book of Soul

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Desire: Spiritual Doubting: General Scriptures Concerning Faith: Exemplified Mizar: A Hill Mountains: Mizar

Psalm 42:6

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