Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
David wrote this himself, not the sons of Korah; he was the Church's teacher, abundantly gifted with the Spirit of prophecy. Why would he borrow their help in composing when he was far better able than they? The sons of Korah kept the psalm as a precious treasure entrusted to their care.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 42:1-11
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? As though he were two men, the psalmist talks to himself. His faith reasons with his fears, his hope argues with his sorrows. These present troubles, are they to last forever? The rejoicings of my foes, are they more than empty talk? My absence from the solemn feasts, is that a perpetual exile?
Holy love to God is the very life and soul of religion; without it all external worship is mere shell and carcase. God often teaches us the worth of mercies by cutting us short in them: we loathe the manna when plenty, but pine for it in scarcity. Even lamenting after God proves we love Him when joy is withheld.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 42:1-5