Psalm 43
The Cry of Israel to Be Restored
The Cry of Israel to Be Restored
Psalm 43. Although there is no title to Psalm 43, it would appear that it is a sequel to Psalm 42, and therefore also written by the sons of Korah. This is especially evident in v.5, which is identical to v.11 of Psalm 42.
PSALM 43
1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; deliver me from the deceitful and unrighteous man.
2 For thou art the God of my strength: why hast thou cast me off? why go I about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3 Send out thy light and thy truth: “they” shall lead me, “they” shall bring me to thy holy mount, and unto thy habitations.
4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto the GOD of the gladness of my joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.
5 Why art thou cast down, 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.
vv.1-5 The faithful cry out for deliverance from “an ungodly nation” (the Jews), and their leader “the deceitful and unrighteous man” (Antichrist). They appeal to God to judge them, on the basis of their righteousness. They ask God why He has cast them off, why He has allowed them to sink to such depths of despair. They plead with God to send out His light and truth to lead them home to their land, especially to the “holy mountain”, and into God’s habitation (the temple). In v.4 they speak of going up to the altar and praising God with joy and gladness. Again in v.5 they encourage themselves in the Lord, instructing their own souls to trust in God, looking forward to a time when they will praise Him in the temple. But although that time is not yet come, they have found God to be their God, the “health” of their countenance even in a time of great tribulation.