Dictionary of Hymnology

Hymnology

As pants the hart for water-brooks

An entry on an anonymous Long Meter paraphrase of Psalm 42.

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This Long Meter version of Psalm 42 was published anonymously in the Presbyterian Hymnal, released in Philadelphia in 1874. Written in standard Long Meter (L.M.), the text offers a structured and expressive paraphrase of the psalmist's longing for spiritual communion and divine restoration. Hymnologists and collection editors noted the text for possessing more than usual literary and devotional merit compared to typical contemporary paraphrases. Although the identity of the author was omitted in the original printing and remains unverified in historical records, the text was warmly received within American Presbyterian circles. Its inclusion in the 1874 Philadelphia hymnal provided congregations with a dignified version of Psalm 42 suited for public worship, personal meditation, and choral praise.

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