United Commentaries

Ps.42.1-43.5

These psalms, like Pss 9 and 10, form a unit comprising a lament with a bittersweet refrain of hope (42:5, 11; 43:5). In many Hebrew manuscripts these two psalms are combined as one. The historical context is uncertain; these psalms might be the voice of God’s people in exile, confessing their loyalty to God as he punishes them for their prevailing apostasy. The psalmist longs for fellowship with God such as he enjoyed in Jerusalem (42:4); his memories only make him more discouraged. As the psalmist cries out to God, he recalls God’s love and faithfulness (42:8), which moves him to plead for vindication (43:1-4).

Ps.43.1-4

The psalmist turns to the Lord for rescue from his troubles, for guidance, for restoration, and for vindication.

Ps.43.2

tossed me aside: Other psalms similarly ask whether God has rejected his people (44:9, 23; 60:1, 10; 74:1; 77:7; 88:14; 89:38; 108:11).

Ps.43.3

In this prayer for God’s redemption, light and truth are viewed as guides (see 18:25-29; 27:1; 85:10-13; 89:14-18; see also 119:105; John 3:19; Eph 5:8; 1 Thes 5:5-7).

The Temple on the mountain in Jerusalem symbolized God’s holy presence among his people (Pss 15:1; 43:3; 99:5, 9; 132:7).

Ps.43.5

This verse is repeated in 42:5, 11.