Psalm 42:5-6

A lot of people think David wrote all of the Psalms, but he did not. Chapter 42 is written by the descendants of Korah. Korah was the grandson of Kohathite. He was responsible for transporting items within the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant during Moses time as leader. He was one of the people swallowed up when the earth opened in Numbers 16:31-33. 7 generations later, the prophet Samuel arose from the line of Korah. The Korahites became door-keepers and custodians for the Tabernacle. A group of them joined King David in various military exploits which led them to have a reputation as great warriors. They also, under King David, became leaders in choral and orchestral music in the Tabernacle. They wrote 11 songs out of the entire book of Psalms!

Knowing who or when someone wrote something in the Bible helps put things into perspective. These verses might have been written during a battle. I can only imagine what it was like to be at war during that time.

In verse 4 they were remembering walking among crowds of worshipers leading people to the Tabernacle. I’m not 100% sure what had them discouraged and sad but it could have come from a place of anxiety and worry over something.

Their solution to praise God because of the discouragment is a GREAT idea! The Bible tells us in Isaiah 61:3 to put on the garment of praise instead of heaviness. (Or despair.) Worry & anxiety are heavy! If you start going down the “what if” road, turn on some worship music! I bet it will help!