PSALM 43

Ps 43:1-5. Excepting the recurrence of the refrain, there is no good reason to suppose this a part of the preceding, though the scope is the same. It has always been placed separate.

1. Judge-or, "vindicate" (Ps 10:18).

plead, &c.-(Ps 35:1).

ungodly-neither in character or condition objects of God's favor (compare Ps 4:3).

2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

2. God of my strength-by covenant relation my stronghold (Ps 18:1).

cast me off-in scorn.

because-or, "in," that is, in such circumstances of oppression.

3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

3. light-as in Ps 27:1.

truth-or, "faithfulness" (Ps 25:5), manifest it by fulfilling promises. Light and truth are personified as messengers who will bring him to the privileged place of worship.

tabernacles-plural, in allusion to the various courts.

4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

4. the altar-as the chief place of worship. The mention of the harp suggests the prominence of praise in his offering.

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.