Psalms 42:7
Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
Original Language Analysis
תְּה֣וֹם
Deep
H8415
תְּה֣וֹם
Deep
Strong's:
H8415
Word #:
1 of 11
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
תְּה֣וֹם
Deep
H8415
תְּה֣וֹם
Deep
Strong's:
H8415
Word #:
3 of 11
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
ק֭וֹרֵא
calleth
H7121
ק֭וֹרֵא
calleth
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
4 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
כָּֽל
H3605
כָּֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְ֝גַלֶּ֗יךָ
and thy billows
H1530
וְ֝גַלֶּ֗יךָ
and thy billows
Strong's:
H1530
Word #:
9 of 11
something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
Historical Context
Near Mount Hermon, the Jordan River originates in dramatic waterfalls and rushing streams. The psalmist may have witnessed these powerful waters while exiled there, finding a metaphor for his overwhelming circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing suffering as under God's sovereignty (His waves, His billows) transform our response?
- What hope exists when we feel completely submerged in troubles?
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Analysis & Commentary
The powerful imagery of 'deep calleth unto deep' at the noise of God's 'waterspouts' depicts overwhelming floods of trouble. 'All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me' suggests complete submersion in suffering. Yet notably, these are God's waves and billows, suggesting even suffering lies within divine sovereignty.