This psalm is the first in Book 2 of the Psalter. In Book 1, the only author that is named is David, but in Book 2 several authors are mentioned, including the sons of Korah as in this psalm. The sons of Korah were Levites who participated in the worship music that was played at the tabernacle and temple. In this psalm, one of them describes his response to not being able to fulfil his regular role because he is away in the north of the country, near to Mount Hermon (v. 6).
The author has a strong sense of isolation. He is unable to go to Jerusalem and take part in the festivals, in which he played a prominent role (v. 4). As he recalls previous occasions when he had taken part, he laments his current circumstances which prevented him from being there. His sense of isolation is increased by the taunts of others who deride him for wanting to worship a God who does not seem to be helping him (v. 3).
Yet he is aware of a very strong inner longing to meet with God. Perhaps in his desert location, he had seen a deer searching for water, crying out from its thirst. He saw in its search a picture of his own heart which needed fresh supplies of grace. Yet because of his circumstances he could not even suggest when he would next be able to participate in God’s worship (vv. 1-2).
The psalmist realises that he cannot allow himself to mope about his circumstances. So he exhorts himself to think differently. He reminds himself that he can hope in God because sooner or later he will be able to go to Jerusalem and resume his role (v. 5).
Because he has adjusted his thoughts, the psalmist’s experiences change somewhat. He recognises that his current circumstances are part of God’s providence; the Lord has arranged the barriers that have come his way (vv. 6-7). Previously, his experience of day and night had been one of tears (v. 3); now his experience of day and night was contact with God (v. 8).
In verses 9-11, he repeats some of the thoughts he had previously about his sense of the absence of God, his sadness at the accusations of his opponents about God, and his realisation that he will yet join the praise at the festivals in Jerusalem. He is arguing with himself about his current mood while at the same time speaking with God and telling him the thoughts of his heart.
This psalm raises important issues. One is the priority of public worship. The psalmist engaged in personal worship, but he knew that his spiritual experience would be at a higher level when he joined with others to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.
Another issue is the strength of our spiritual appetite for God. It was not enough for the psalmist to have pleasant memories about previous worship occasions. He wanted to have current divine provision.
A third issue is the necessity of fellowship. In the psalm, the author can talk to God but he cannot talk with the people of God. And that inability bothered him greatly because he was being deprived of fellowship.
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