Psalms 42:8

According to the rendering of the A.V., retained by the R.V., this verse expresses the Psalmist's confidence that he will soon again experience the favour of God, and give Him thanks for His goodness. But it is equally possible to render

In the day-time Jehovah used to give his lovingkindness charge concerning me,

And in the night his song was with me,

Even prayer unto the God of my life.

This rendering gives the best connexion of thought. The verse is a retrospect like Psalms 42:4, and is a further explanation of the -remembering God" of which he speaks in Psalms 42:6. He contrasts the present, in which tears are his constant food (Psalms 42:3) and God's indignation seems to be let loose upon him, with the past, in which God's lovingkindness constantly watched over him, and glad songs of praise to Him were his constant companions. In the day-timeand in the night, though divided between the two lines for rhythmical reasons, are to be connected together (continually), and taken as referring equally to both clauses. Cp. Psalms 92:2. God's lovingkindness, like His light and truth in Psalms 43:3, is almost personified as the Psalmist's guardian angel.

Prayerdenotes any form of communion with God here predominantly thanksgiving. Cp. 1 Samuel 2:1; Habakkuk 3:1.

With the beautiful phrase the God of my lifecp. Psalms 66:9; and Sir 23:1; Sir 23:4, "O Lord, Father and Master" (δέσποτα) of mylife": … "Father and God of my life."

The Lord Contrary to the general rule in Book ii (Introd. p. lv.) the name Jehovah has been retained here; unless it is the insertion or alteration of a later editor.