Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 42:1-2

PSALM 42

Psa 42:1-11. Maschil--(See on Psa 32:1, title). For, or of (see Introduction) the sons of Korah. The writer, perhaps one of this Levitical family of singers accompanying David in exile, mourns his absence from the sanctuary, a cause of grief aggravated by the taunts of enemies, and is comforted in hopes of relief. This course of thought is repeated with some variety of detail, but closing with the same refrain.

1-2. Compare (Psa 63:1).

panteth--desires in a state of exhaustion.