Psalm 42
Two Study Bibles pointed out that Psalms 42-43 are clearly one Psalm, but for some reason they have been split up in the Psalter. (See Ps. 42:5,11 today and Ps. 43:5 tomorrow.)
Again, Study Bible information… The heading, “…to the Sons of Korah” and the geographical names in verse 6 suggest that this Psalm reflects the annual pilgrimage from the far north of Palestine (where the Korahites had been assigned cities) to Jerusalem for Passover. However, in today’s reading it seems that the psalmist is ill and not able to make the journey. He regrets not going, both for his own longing for the festival and for his responsibility to lead the people in procession (v. 4). He is also troubled that his illness contributes to his enemies’ taunts and their continued rejection of God: …my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” (vv. 3b, 10b, twice mentioned for effect). Still, as with all laments, the psalmist expresses his confidence in God’s deliverance (vv. 5, 11), while also directly appealing to God for quicker action. (See v. 9.) But aren’t we all like that?