Christianity Oasis Forum

[Dora]

Any thoughts on why these words are shared three times?

Psa 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and
Psa 42:11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psa 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

I wonder if the writer is struggling with being downcast in spirit and giving himself a pep talk.

Would love to know others thoughts on this.

[vahn]

My first thought was , "Maybe he stutters ?"
Then again I had learnt (the hard way) never to trust my first thought

Even though the question "Why are you downcast ? " is repeated , taking a look at the context that they are put in paint a different picture .

The context of 42:5 is being asked as a reminder of a sort , saying Remember those times when you led a great procession to the Temple , and you were full of joy and singing praises to the Lord ? (v4) So , why are you "downcast?"
By remembering his past , he's going ""Ah , I can praise Him again , and I will have that joy again , even with a "downcast" heart !!"

In 42:11 , having "re-upped" , the psalmist is facing , persecutions and attacks from the enemy , he's being scoffed at and taunted with words that are fatal to his faith .
Basically this time the context veers more to the "Why shouldn't my heart be downcast ? look at all this !!! "
Again , right after that his answer is something like "If God is with you , who can be against you " type thingy right ? He's saying , Don't be upset ! don't be discouraged ! EXPECT God to act !! and once again you will have that joy through your praises to Him for acting .

43:5 , I see it as a confirmation of the futility of a downcast heart . He is saying "What's wrong with you boy !! , Whats with long face ? , now pick your butt up and start asking " Send me the light to guide me to mount Zion , where the Temple is , lead me to the altar of my exceeding joy in God , let me praise you with my harp , O God - my God (note: now God becomes personal "my God") . Then I will once again smile for then I will KNOW , He is my God .


I guess I overdid it again !! .... I put in 3 cents worth , instead of the usual 2



In Christ , our Lord

[Dora]

He stutters hu?

I appreciate your response. And 3 verses requires 3 cents instead of 2.


GB

[Timothy]

Cause they are the chorus of the song.

[Lionhearted]

hey pinella:

pine said: I wonder if the writer is struggling with being downcast in spirit and giving himself a pep talk.

i agree pinella, i think that is exactly what he is doing!!

also the phrase that is repeated in every one of those psalms is "... i will yet" according to esword the phrase "i will yet" is one word "od" or ode:

‛ôd ‛ôd ~ again, repeatedly, still, more: - again, X all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further (-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more (-over), X once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within).

i think the writer is acknowledging his condition and at the same time acknowledging that it is God who is the answer for it.