Psalms 42:11

“Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake, etc.] Being like one dead, (<19E303>Psalm 143:3); that is, revive and cheer his drooping spirit, ready to fail, being overwhelmed within him, (<19E304>Psalm 143:4,7); as well as revive the work of grace in him; and quicken his soul to the exercise of grace, and discharge of duty; and this he desires not only for his own soul’s good, but for the glory of God, that his name might be hououred, and not blasphemed; for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble; for as he had his bodily troubles and other outward affliction, he had soul troubles, through the corruptions of his nature, the temptations of Satan, and the hidings of God’s face; which…”

“This brings on a renewed self-chiding, and excites hopes of relief. health--or help. of my countenance--(compare Psa 42:5) who cheers me, driving away clouds of sorrow from my face. my God--It is He of whose existence and favor my foes would have me doubt. Next: Psalms Chapter 43”

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? - This closes the second strophe of the psalm, and, with one or two slight and immaterial variations, is the same as that which closes the first Psalms 42:5. In this latter, the word “why” is inserted, and the expression “the salvation of my countenance” occurs instead of “salvations of his countenance,” with the addition of the words “and my God” at the close. The sense, however, is the same; and the verse contains, as before, self-reproof for being thus cast down, and self-exhortation to put trust in God. In the former part of the psalm Psalms 42:5 he had addressed this language to himself, as designed to impress his own mind with the guilt of thus…”

“cast down: Psa 42:5, Psa 43:5 the health: Jer 30:17, Jer 33:6; Mat 9:12 Next: Psalms Chapter 43”