Psalm 42:8

Translations

Modern

The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.

Traditional

Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

Literal

By day, YHWH commands His loving devotion, and in the night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

Latin

In die mandavit Dominus misericordiam suam, et nocte canticum ejus; apud me oratio Deo vitæ meæ.

Original

Hebrew

English

The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.

Notes

Psalms 42:8

The psalmist sees rays of hope. A life focused on God includes joyful songs and prayers for justice and vindication (Psalm 42:9–10; 43:1–4).

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 16:7
I will bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my conscience instructs me.
Psalm 63:6
When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night.
Psalm 149:5
Let the saints exult in glory; let them shout for joy upon their beds.
Job 35:10
But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night,
Deuteronomy 28:8
The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand; the LORD your God will bless you in the land He is giving you.
Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Colossians 3:3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
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.
Psalm 44:4
You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob.
Matthew 8:8
The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
Psalm 57:3
He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

David Korahite, Korathite Music Numbers, Book of Psalms, Book of

Topics

Desire: Spiritual Faith: Exemplified God: Love of God: Love of, Exemplified Prayerfulness: General Scriptures Concerning The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: should Expect, in Affliction

Psalm 42:8

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