Psalms 42:7

7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy cataracts; all thy breakers and thy billows are gone over me.

Psalms 42:7 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 42:7

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of the water spouts
By which are meant afflictions, comparable to the deep waters of the sea, for their multitude and overwhelming nature; see ( Psalms 69:1 Psalms 69:2 ) ( Isaiah 43:2 ) ; these came pouring down, one after another, upon the psalmist: as soon as one affliction over, another came, as in the case of Job; which is signified by one calling to another, and were clamorous, troublesome, and very grievous and distressing;

all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me:
with which he seemed to be covered and overwhelmed, as a ship is at sea. It may be observed, that the psalmist calls afflictions God's water spouts, and "his" waves and "his" billows; because they are appointed, sent, ordered, and overruled by him, and made to work for the good of his people: and now, though these might seem to be a just cause of dejection, yet they were not, as appears from ( Psalms 42:8 ) .

Psalms 42:7 In-Context

5 Why art thou cast down, my soul, and art disquieted in me? hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, [for] the health of his countenance.

6 My God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore do I remember thee from the land of the Jordan, and the Hermons, from mount Mizar.

7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy cataracts; all thy breakers and thy billows are gone over me.

8 In the day-time will Jehovah command his loving-kindness, and in the night his song shall be with me, a prayer unto the God of my life.

9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?