Psalms 42:1
For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.
What it says
The sons of Korah open the psalm with the superscription and the image of desperate thirst for God.
What it is doing
This verse introduces the composition as a reflective song of longing.
In context
1For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. 2My soul thirsts for God, the living God. 3My tears have been my food 4These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: 5Why are you downcast, O my soul? 6O my God, my soul despairs within me. 7Deep calls to deep 8The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, 9I say to God my Rock, 10Like the crushing of my bones, 11Why are you downcast, O my soul?