Lexical Summary sak: Sackcloth Original Word: סָךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance multitude From cakak; properly, a thicket of men, i.e. A crowd -- multitude. see HEBREW cakak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sakak Definition a throng NASB Translation throng (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [סַךְ] noun [masculine] throng (properly an interwoven mass); — אֶעֱבֹר בַּסָּ֑ךְ Psalm 42:5 I used to pass along in the throng, so most; but word dubious Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range The word סָךְ (sakh) denotes a gathered “throng,” a company of people moving or standing together with shared purpose. In Psalm 42:4 it pictures worshipers streaming toward the sanctuary, united in song and celebration before the LORD. Biblical Occurrence Psalm 42:4 is the only canonical use. The sons of Korah recall, “I walked with them in procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and praise—a multitude celebrating a festival”. The term captures the density and devotion of that corporate procession. Historical Background: Pilgrim Festivals Israel’s calendar required national ascent to the Tabernacle and later the Temple for Passover, Weeks, and Booths. Cities emptied as families converged on Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). The “throng” in Psalm 42:4 likely reflects one of these pilgrimages. Joyful singing (Psalm 122:1–4), communal sacrifices, and teaching by priests forged spiritual solidarity and covenant renewal. Theological Themes 1. Corporate Worship The psalmist’s memory of the סָךְ underscores that individual faith matures inside community. Similar scenes appear in Psalm 55:14; Isaiah 30:29; Acts 2:46, all stressing shared praise. 2. Spiritual Homesickness Psalm 42 was composed during separation—possibly exile or flight. Remembering the throng touches off deep longing for God Himself, proving the worship assembly is more than social gathering; it is a tangible encounter with the living God (Psalm 42:2). 3. Covenant Identity Marching as one people confirmed Israel’s identity as “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). The throng re-enacted redemption history—leaving homes, ascending to God’s dwelling, and rejoicing in atonement. 4. Anticipation of Ultimate Gathering The Old Testament procession anticipates the eschatological multitude “from every nation” that worships the Lamb (Revelation 7:9–10). The earthly throng foreshadows heavenly consummation. Practical Ministry Implications • Encourage regular, corporate gathering (Hebrews 10:24–25). The memory of the סָךְ teaches that isolation weakens hope, while assembling rekindles it. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ embodied the true Temple (John 2:19–21). In Him, worshipers draw near “in one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18). The ancient throng’s unity finds its fullest realization in the church, “a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Eschatological Hope The single Old Testament appearance of סָךְ points forward to an unending assembly. What began as an Israelite festival will culminate in the eternal feast of God and the Lamb, where no pilgrim will ever again be barred from the sanctuary. Forms and Transliterations בַּסָּךְ֮ בסך bas·sāḵ bassāḵ bassoChLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 42:4 HEB: כִּ֤י אֶֽעֱבֹ֨ר ׀ בַּסָּךְ֮ אֶדַּדֵּ֗ם עַד־ NAS: me. For I used to go along with the throng [and] lead them in procession KJV: in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went INT: for to go the throng lead against 1 Occurrence |
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