Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 42:4

"These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, How I went with the throng, and led them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping holyday." — Psalms 42:4 (ASV)

When I. —The conjunction “when” is not expressed, but may be implied from the next clause. Others translate, let me recall these days (i.e., what follows), let me pour out my soul within me (literally, upon me. Compare to Psalms 142:3). But the Authorised Version is better, when I think of it, my heart must overflow. The expression, “I pour out my soul upon me,” may, however, mean, “I weep floods of tears over myself,” i.e., “over my lot.”

For I had gone with the multitude. —The Septuagint and Vulgate, as well as the strangeness of the words translated “multitude” and “went with them,” indicate a corruption of the text. Fortunately, the general sense and reference of the verse are independent of the doubtful expressions. The poet indulges in a grateful recollection of some great festival, probably the Feast of Tabernacles (see the Septuagint).

That kept holyday. —Literally, dancing or reeling. But the word is used absolutely (Exodus 5:1; Leviticus 23:41) for keeping a festival, and especially the Feast of Tabernacles. Dancing appears to have been a recognised part of the ceremonial (compare to 2 Samuel 6:16).