Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 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). 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. 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. 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.
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. |
