PSALM 42 THE ARGUMENT The penman of this Psalm is uncertain. as not being named in the title. It was composed either,
1. By David, when he was banished from the house of God, either by Saul's tyranny, or by Absalom's rebellion; or,
2. By the sons of Korah, in the time of the captivity of Babylon; whence some read the words of the title of this Psalm, Maschil of the sons of Korah. But this is not usual in this book, to name the author of a Psalm so obscurely and indefinitely; for the sons of Korah were a numerous company. and it is not likely that either all or divers of them did join in the inditing of this and the following Psalms so called. Nor is there any one Psalm where the author is named. but he is one certain and single person. And therefore it seems more probable that David penned this, as it is confessed he did some other Psalms which have not his name in the title. Who were an eminent order of. singers in the house of God; of whom see 1 Chronicles 6:33, 1 Chronicles 9:19 26:1. The psalmist being deprived of God's service, ardently desires to be in his house again, Psalms 42:1-4; rouseth up his soul unto a firm hope and confidence in God, Psalms 42:5-9. His enemies reproach him, Psalms 42:10. His faith in God, Psalms 42:11. The hart is naturally hot and thirsty. And this thirst is increased, partly by its dwelling in desert and dry places, to which it retireth for fear of men and wild beasts; and partly by its long and violent running, when it is pursued by the hunters; and some add, by eating of serpents. After thee; after the enjoyment of thee in thy sanctuary, as it appears from Psalms 42:4.