As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
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
The hunted hart flees to the river to cool its burning flanks and escape the dogs; so my soul, persecuted and barred from worship, must have God or faint. Not luxury, necessity. Deny him his Lord and the whole frame convulses like one gasping for breath. When longing for God becomes as natural as thirst itself, the soul is well, however much it aches.
AI summary
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