- Home
- Bible
- Psalms
- Chapter 42
- Verse 8
Verse
Context
Sermons
Andrew Bonar
Octavius Winslow
Samuel Rutherford
F.B. Meyer
Charles E. CowmanOctavius Winslow
John Henry JowettSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Still he relies on as constant a flow of divine mercy which will elicit his praise and encourage his prayer to God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime,.... Which is a tender affection in God towards his people, springs from his sovereign will and pleasure, is from everlasting, is ever the same, never removes from them, and is better than life; the effects of which are all spiritual blessings, grace, and glory: and this the Lord "commands" when he sends it forth with power, makes a clear manifestation and home application of it to them; when he commands his covenant, or bestows covenant blessings on them; when he commands his strength, or gives them strength to bear up under afflictions; when he commands deliverances for Jacob, or works salvation for them; and when he commands blessings temporal and spiritual on them, especially life for evermore: see Psa 111:9; and this is done in "the daytime"; either, as some interpret it, in a fit and seasonable time, in God's appointed time, who has his set time to favour his people, and show his lovingkindness to them; or openly and publicly, so as themselves and others may see the salvation of the Lord; or continually; for mercy, goodness, and lovingkindness, follow them all the days of their lives; yea, are from everlasting to everlasting: and these words may be read either in the past tense, as some do, "yet the Lord hath commanded" (m), &c. and so respect what had been, and relate to the former experiences and manifestations of the love of God, with which the psalmist encourages himself under his present afflictions; or in the future, as in our version; and so they are an expression of faith as to what would be hereafter, that the Lord would appear again, and show him his face and favour; and in the night his song shall be with me; signifying hereby, that he strongly believed he should have occasion of singing praise to God in the night season, though he was now in such mournful circumstances: he calls it "his song"; that is, the Lord's song; because the matter of it are his lovingkindness, and the blessings springing from it; because the Lord himself is the subject of it; his perfections, his works, his salvation and glory; and because he gives songs in the night, and puts them into the mouths of his people; see Isa 12:2; and the psalmist says it would be with him, in his heart, and in his mouth, and be his constant companion wherever he was, lying down, or rising up; and that "in the night"; either figuratively understood of affliction and distress, out of which he would be delivered, and so be compassed about with songs of deliverance; or literally, it being a time of leisure to call to mind the salvation and mercies of the day, and be thankful for them; see Psa 77:6; and my prayer unto the God of my life: natural, spiritual, and eternal; being the author, giver, and preserver of each; and this is no inconsiderable mercy, to have such a God to pray unto in a time of distress; as well as in a time of salvation, to go to, and make known requests with thanksgiving; which seems to be intended here, since it is joined with a song. Prayer and praise go together, the object of which are not lifeless idols, that cannot save; but the living God, who is a God hearing and answering prayer, and does not despise the prayer of the destitute. The prayer of the psalmist follows. (m) "praecepit", Tigurine version; "mandavit", Hammond; so Aben Ezra and others.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
42:8 The psalmist sees rays of hope. A life oriented to God includes songs of joy and praying for justice and vindication (42:9-10; 43:1-4).
As the Deer Pants for the Water
7Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me. 8The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Singing Before Suffering.
By Andrew Bonar2Singing in SufferingHope in AdversityJOB 35:10PSA 22:23PSA 42:8PSA 69:30PSA 118:21MAT 26:30MRK 14:51JHN 17:1ACT 16:25Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of singing in the face of suffering, highlighting that Jesus sang a hymn with His disciples just before His impending crucifixion, demonstrating His humanity and the power of song in times of distress. He reflects on the tradition of singing Psalms, particularly Psalm 118, during the Passover, and encourages believers to sing unselfishly, even amidst trials, as a means of finding strength and joy. Bonar reminds us that Christ's last moments were filled with song, and that we too should maintain a cheerful spirit in the face of adversity, trusting in God's unwavering love. He concludes with the hope of a future where Christ will lead the redeemed in a song of praise, celebrating completed redemption.
Evening Thoughts - January
By Octavius Winslow0Faithfulness of GodThe Importance of PrayerDEU 33:25JOB 9:11PSA 34:18PSA 42:8PSA 141:2ISA 44:21MAT 17:8ACT 16:301CO 2:2REV 8:3Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness as we enter a new year, encouraging believers to trust in His unwavering support through life's uncertainties. He reminds us that Christ's grace and presence are sufficient for our needs, urging us to approach God with a broken and contrite heart, seeking His mercy and strength. Winslow highlights the necessity of prayer and self-examination, asserting that true faith is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, who is our mediator and source of life. He calls for a continual dedication to God, emphasizing that our lives should reflect our commitment to Him, living not for ourselves but for His glory.
Lxi. to Mr James Wilson
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 42:8JHN 12:27ROM 8:262CO 13:5Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of encouragement and exhortation to a struggling believer, addressing doubts about being in Christ and feeling lost in spiritual exercises. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's work in our lives, not slandering His grace, and persevering in prayer even in times of spiritual dryness and confusion. Rutherford reminds the listener to focus on Christ, to borrow joy and comfort from the Holy Spirit, and to trust that God is still at work in their heart despite feelings of hardness and melancholy.
None Saith, Where Is God My Maker,
By F.B. Meyer0Hope in DarknessGod's ComfortJOB 35:10PSA 30:5PSA 34:18PSA 42:8ISA 41:10ISA 61:3MAT 11:28ROM 15:132CO 1:3PHP 4:6F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God during our darkest nights, whether they be filled with doubt, bereavement, or discouragement. He encourages believers to turn their thoughts to God, who can transform our sleepless hours into moments of hope and song. Meyer shares personal anecdotes of how God can lift the burdens of despair and fill our hearts with joy, reminding us that even in our struggles, we are not alone. The sermon calls for a response of faith, urging us to embrace the songs our Maker provides in times of trouble.
Fill the Night With Song
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 42:8Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding solace and songs in the night through God, our Maker. He encourages seeking God's presence during sleepless nights, times of bereavement, and moments of discouragement or failure, believing that God can turn those dark hours into songs of hope and assurance. Cowman emphasizes the importance of fixing our thoughts on God and being open to receiving the songs that our Maker provides, even in the midst of trials and challenges.
Yet the Lord Will Command His Loving-Kindness
By Octavius Winslow0God's ComfortJoy in SufferingPSA 30:5PSA 42:8PSA 119:50ISA 41:10MAT 5:4JHN 16:33ROM 15:132CO 1:3PHP 4:71PE 5:10Octavius Winslow emphasizes that despite life's trials, God commands His loving-kindness, providing comfort and songs in the night. He illustrates how true joy and peace can exist even in the midst of suffering, as God, the source of all consolation, inspires a deeper music within the hearts of believers. Winslow reassures that the Christian experience, though often misunderstood by others, is filled with a hidden joy that transcends external circumstances. He reminds us that those who mourn will ultimately find comfort in God's presence and promises.
The Cellars of Affliction
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 23:5PSA 34:19PSA 42:8ROM 8:37PHP 4:7John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of finding spiritual deliverance and strength in the midst of afflictions by seeking the promises of God and experiencing His vitalizing grace. He highlights the concept of rising above afflictions by being spiritually exhilarated, enabling believers to be 'more than conquerors' in Christ Jesus even in the midst of challenges. Jowett points out that true deliverance is not necessarily being removed from affliction, but rather having the peace, strength, and hope that come from a deep relationship with God, allowing believers to sing songs of praise even in the darkest times.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Still he relies on as constant a flow of divine mercy which will elicit his praise and encourage his prayer to God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime,.... Which is a tender affection in God towards his people, springs from his sovereign will and pleasure, is from everlasting, is ever the same, never removes from them, and is better than life; the effects of which are all spiritual blessings, grace, and glory: and this the Lord "commands" when he sends it forth with power, makes a clear manifestation and home application of it to them; when he commands his covenant, or bestows covenant blessings on them; when he commands his strength, or gives them strength to bear up under afflictions; when he commands deliverances for Jacob, or works salvation for them; and when he commands blessings temporal and spiritual on them, especially life for evermore: see Psa 111:9; and this is done in "the daytime"; either, as some interpret it, in a fit and seasonable time, in God's appointed time, who has his set time to favour his people, and show his lovingkindness to them; or openly and publicly, so as themselves and others may see the salvation of the Lord; or continually; for mercy, goodness, and lovingkindness, follow them all the days of their lives; yea, are from everlasting to everlasting: and these words may be read either in the past tense, as some do, "yet the Lord hath commanded" (m), &c. and so respect what had been, and relate to the former experiences and manifestations of the love of God, with which the psalmist encourages himself under his present afflictions; or in the future, as in our version; and so they are an expression of faith as to what would be hereafter, that the Lord would appear again, and show him his face and favour; and in the night his song shall be with me; signifying hereby, that he strongly believed he should have occasion of singing praise to God in the night season, though he was now in such mournful circumstances: he calls it "his song"; that is, the Lord's song; because the matter of it are his lovingkindness, and the blessings springing from it; because the Lord himself is the subject of it; his perfections, his works, his salvation and glory; and because he gives songs in the night, and puts them into the mouths of his people; see Isa 12:2; and the psalmist says it would be with him, in his heart, and in his mouth, and be his constant companion wherever he was, lying down, or rising up; and that "in the night"; either figuratively understood of affliction and distress, out of which he would be delivered, and so be compassed about with songs of deliverance; or literally, it being a time of leisure to call to mind the salvation and mercies of the day, and be thankful for them; see Psa 77:6; and my prayer unto the God of my life: natural, spiritual, and eternal; being the author, giver, and preserver of each; and this is no inconsiderable mercy, to have such a God to pray unto in a time of distress; as well as in a time of salvation, to go to, and make known requests with thanksgiving; which seems to be intended here, since it is joined with a song. Prayer and praise go together, the object of which are not lifeless idols, that cannot save; but the living God, who is a God hearing and answering prayer, and does not despise the prayer of the destitute. The prayer of the psalmist follows. (m) "praecepit", Tigurine version; "mandavit", Hammond; so Aben Ezra and others.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
42:8 The psalmist sees rays of hope. A life oriented to God includes songs of joy and praying for justice and vindication (42:9-10; 43:1-4).