Psalms 42:7

7 (41-8) Deep calleth on deep, at the noise of thy flood-gates. All thy heights and thy billows have passed 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 (41-6) Why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance,

6 (41-7) And my God. My soul is troubled within my self: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan and Hermon, from the little hill.

7 (41-8) Deep calleth on deep, at the noise of thy flood-gates. All thy heights and thy billows have passed over me.

8 (41-9) In the daytime the Lord hath commanded his mercy; and a canticle to him in the night. With me is prayer to the God of my life.

9 (41-10) I will say to God: Thou art my support. Why hast thou forgotten me? and why go I mourning, whilst my enemy afflicteth me?