What is the meaning of Psalm 42:7?

Deep calls to deep

“Deep calls to deep…” (Psalm 42:7a)

• The writer is submerged in profound inner need, crying out from “the depths” of sorrow and longing (Psalm 130:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

• He believes the God who “searches all hearts” (1 Chronicles 28:9) also possesses inexhaustible depths of compassion (Psalm 36:5-6).

• One depth answers another: human need meets divine fullness. The moment faith reaches up, God’s own voice responds (Jeremiah 33:3; Romans 8:26-27).

• The phrase affirms that prayer isn’t shallow; it is a meeting of soul-depth with God-depth (1 Corinthians 2:10).

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in the roar of Your waterfalls

“…in the roar of Your waterfalls…” (Psalm 42:7b)

• The setting may recall the noisy cataracts of Mount Hermon (v.6), but the emphasis is that they are “Your” waterfalls—under God’s command (Psalm 29:3-4).

• The roar illustrates how God’s presence can thunder above every lesser voice and drown out fear (Ezekiel 43:2; Revelation 1:15).

• Even when circumstances feel chaotic, the believer remembers that nothing is outside the Lord’s orchestration (Nahum 1:3; Psalm 93:4).

• The sound reminds us of God’s relentless pursuit; His grace keeps pouring over us, never trickling (John 1:16).

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all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me

“…all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me.” (Psalm 42:7c)

• The imagery shifts from rivers to the surging sea, showing the psalmist engulfed by trials he knows God has permitted (Psalm 88:7; Jonah 2:3).

• “Your” breakers: every swell is ultimately governed by the Lord who sets their bounds (Job 38:8-11).

• Feeling overwhelmed does not equal abandonment; God is present in the flood (Isaiah 43:2).

• Trials can roll in series, yet they refine faith like waves shaping the shoreline (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).

• Each wave pushes the psalmist to cling more tightly to the Rock higher than he is (Psalm 61:2).

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summary

Psalm 42:7 paints a vivid picture of soul-depth crying out to God’s depth, the thunder of His sovereign activity, and the overwhelming waves He allows. The verse reassures us that every surge, every roar, and every deep place is under His control, drawing us closer to the One whose love is deeper still.