Psalms – Chapter 42

Old Testament • 6 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 42 of Psalms begins: "A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 6 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and holiness. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.

2For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me?

3Sent forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles.

4And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth.

5To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me?

6Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God.

Important Verses in Psalms 42

“A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.”

Psalms 42:1

“Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God. ”

Psalms 42:6

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 42 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 6 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the…" It concludes: "Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 42 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 133).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

The early section of Psalms—Chapter 42 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights care for the poor and vulnerable, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 74).

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 42 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 42 about?

Psalms 42 contains 6 verses. It opens with "A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the…" and closes with "Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 42?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 42?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

1 Maccabees 4Shares people and themes with this chapterEzra 3Shares people and themes with this chapterSirach 49Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Litany of the Saints🙏The Sanctus

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