시편 Chapter 43

Translation: ESV

1

Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me!

Key Message

In unjust situations, acknowledging God as the supreme judge and requesting his advocacy is the path of faith.

▸Scholars argue that Psalms 42 and 43 were originally one psalm.

Scholars argue that Psalms 42 and 43 were originally one psalm. It has no title, and the same refrain is repeated. It begins with the legal language of requesting God to adjudicate — 'vindicate me (shofteni)' means judge on my behalf.

Related Verses

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!
3

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!

Key Message

God's light and truth lead us to God's presence, and this is completed through Christ and the Spirit.

▸The most beautiful verse in this psalm.

4

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.

Key Message

God is the source of all joy, and praise offered in his presence is the highest joy a human can experience.

▸'My exceeding joy (simhat gili)' — the joy of my joy, the one who is my highest joy.

5

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Key Message

In any despair and anxiety, the final answer is to hope in God — this is the conclusion of all of Psalms 42-43.

▸The refrain of Psalms 42-43 appears for the third and final time.