Psalms 42:3
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
Original Language Analysis
הָֽיְתָה
H1961
הָֽיְתָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לֶ֭חֶם
have been my meat
H3899
לֶ֭חֶם
have been my meat
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 12
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וָלָ֑יְלָה
and night
H3915
וָלָ֑יְלָה
and night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 79:10Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.Psalms 115:2Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?Psalms 80:5Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.Joel 2:17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?Psalms 102:9For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,Psalms 79:12And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.Psalms 42:10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?2 Samuel 16:12It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.
Historical Context
The taunt 'Where is thy God?' echoes throughout Scripture when God's people suffer (Joel 2:17; Micah 7:10). It becomes the central question the psalms of lament address, maintaining faith despite apparent divine absence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when suffering prompts the question 'Where is your God?'
- What does it mean that grief can become so consuming that tears replace food?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Tears have become David's 'meat day and night' while enemies continually ask 'Where is thy God?' This mocking question attacks the foundation of faith--if God is real and good, why does He allow such suffering? The image of tears as food suggests grief so overwhelming that it displaces normal sustenance; sorrow consumes everything.