We now begin the second book containing thirty-one Psalms, and you will notice that in this book God is almost exclusively referenced by His creative name, “Elohim,” instead of His redemptive name, “Yahweh.” The first eight Psalms are attributed to the “Sons of Korah.” This group included descendants of the infamous Korah who was executed by God for his rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). These same Korahites were gatekeepers and were some of David's principal musicians, and you will find Heman appears instead of Korah through the Chronicles (1 Chronicles 6:31-33; 9:17-19; 26:1,19).
Psalms 42 and 43 are “Lament Psalms,” and, as in the first book of Psalms, this book also begins with a two-Psalm opening (42,43) introduction. It is believed chapters 42 and 43 were a connected poem as the same conditions seem to backdrop both Psalms. In Psalm 42, you will read the complaint; in Psalm 43, you will read the prayer responding to the complaint. This Psalm was likely written by one of the Levites traveling with David when he was fleeing from Absalom. These Psalms are also “maskils” (superscriptions), along with 44 and 45, Psalms written to give instruction.
Psalms 42-43 can be clearly divided into three thoughts:
The passion of the Levite's heart (42:1-2)
The question of the Levite’s soul (42:3-10); faith scolding the Levite’s conscience (42:5,11)
The prayer of the Levite’s spirit (43:1-4); faith scolding the Levite’s conscience (43:5)
Observation: the Psalm reveals the conscience. The poet complains and questions his faith, all the while reminding himself there is cause to hope. While the priest is banished and longs for the beauty of God’s house of worship, he reminds himself there is always cause to hope.
Purpose: To show us how to pray when our circumstance has separated us from the beauty of God’s house of worship, and yet our heart longs for it.