This psalm is closely connected with Psalm 42. It breathes the same note of confidence, ending with the same words practically as the two parts of the former. It reaches a higher plane in that it refers only to sorrow and mourning in order to protest against them in the light of the certainty of God's deliverance. From prayer for that deliverance, which he has twice in the previous psalm declared to be certain, he passes to affirmation of how, following the leading of God's light and truth, he will go up to worship. Notice the procession to praise as he describes it. To the hill, to the Tabernacles, to the altar, and then the act of praise. Not yet has the answer come. The darkness and the mystery are still about him, but the shining way is seen. And again the soul is forbidden to despair and hope is encouraged in God (v. 5).
The yearning of the Psalmist's soul for God strikes the keynote of the Psalm (Psalm 42:1-2): and in his present sorrow he finds sad comfort in the recollection of former happiness (Psalm 42:3-4). He describes his pitiable plight (Psalm 42:6-7); and recalling past mercies, expostulates with God for having abandoned him to the taunts of his foes (Psalm 42:8-10). He prays for deliverance from these enemies (Psalm 43:1-2), and restoration to the privileges of the sanctuary (Psalm 43:3-4). In the refrain which closes each stanza faith rebukes despondency and hope triumphs over despair (Psalm 43:5).
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
Psalms 43:2
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?
Psalms 43:3
O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
Psalms 43:4
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.
Psalms 43:5
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.
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