Scripture Reading : Psalm 42 and 43
Theme : Longing for God
These two psalms are certainly one and we cannot tell why they were divided. A balanced refrain unites three stanzas of similar length (42:6, 11; 43:5); there are links of wording, e.g. in the first two stanzas, ‘while they say’ etc. (3, 10); in the second and third, ‘mourning’ (42:9; 43:2); and there is unity and development of theme. (a) In 42:1–5 (‘faith longing’), past memories sharpen present pain. The metaphor of drought (1, 2) expresses a deep longing for God. (b) In 42:6–11 (‘faith reviving’), the metaphor of storm (7) expresses present distresses but faith sees the breakers as the Lord’s breakers, his love remains (8), he is still my Rock (9). (c) In 43:1–5 (‘faith responding’) the metaphor of a search party (3) expresses assurance for the future. The God who is even now a stronghold will bring him back home (3–4).
Many situations can be imagined for this psalm. The writer recalls temple services as things of the past (42:4); he is now in the far north of Palestine (42:6); only an act of God can bring him back (43:3); he is surrounded by triumphalist, taunting foes (42:3, 9–10). Any occasion when an enemy took and deported captives (e.g. 2 Ki. 14:14; 24:14), would be appropriate.[1]
Praying the Scripture
Although we should worship God individually, we are also meant to worship God corporately. The psalmist long to worship God with others. In God’s kingdom, we will all worship God corporately and individually. Do you long to go to church and to sing praise to God corporately? Pray that God will help you to understand the importance of corporate worship and long for it.
[1] New Bible Commentary, 513.
经文：诗篇42与43
主题：渴望神
这两首诗篇肯定是一体的，但我们不晓得它们为何被划分出来。有一个叠句把这长短相似的三段诗节连接起来（42:5, 11；43:5）；这些都是措辞的连接，如：第一、二段里的“人不住地对我说”（42:3, 42:10）；第二、三段里的“哀痛”（42:9；43:2）等。其主题也是一致且有扩展的：(a) 在42:1-5中（‘信心的渴望’），过去的记忆加深了现在的痛苦。旱灾的比喻（42:1,2）表达了对神深切的渴慕；(b) 在42:6-11中（‘信心的复苏’），风暴的比喻（42:7）表达了现今的悲痛，但信心视
洪涛为神的洪涛，祂的爱永驻（42:8），祂仍是我的磐石（42:9）；(c) 在43:1-5中（‘信心的回应’），搜索队的比喻（43:3）表达了对未来的保障。至今仍做高台的神将领他回家（3-4）。
这首诗篇能用于很多情景。作者回想起过去在圣殿里的侍奉（42:4）；如今却在巴勒斯坦的远北端（42:6）；唯有神能带他回去（43:3）；他被得胜、嘲讽他的敌人包围（42:3,9-10）。只要是被敌人驱逐到外的场景都合适（如：王下14:14；24:14）。[1]
用经文祷告
虽然我们各个当敬拜神，我们也要集体敬拜神。诗人渴望与他人一同敬拜神。在神的国度里，我们对神会有集体以及个人的敬拜。你是否渴望去教会，集体向神献诗赞美祂？祷告神会助你明白集体敬拜的重要性并对此有渴望。
[1] New Bible Commentary, 513.
