Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 43

Appeals and PetitionsIn this psalm, David turns to God in faith and prayer, seeking Him as his judge, strength, guide, joy, and hope. He expresses his trust in God’s justice and mercy, even while facing difficulties. David’s words show how believers can rely on God in every situation, finding comfort and strength in His presence.v. 1: David appeals to God as his righteous judge. He prays, “Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man”. David feels wronged by his enemies, who are deceitful and cruel. He asks God to defend him and prove his innocence. When we face injustice, we can trust God to judge fairly and to protect us.

v. 2: David calls God his strength, even though he feels abandoned. He says, “For You are the God of my strength; why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”. David feels weak and overwhelmed by his enemies, but he still acknowledges that God is his source of strength. Even when we feel forgotten, we can depend on God to sustain us.

v. 3: David asks God to guide him back to His presence. He prays, “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle”. David longs to return to worship in God’s house. He asks for God’s light and truth to guide him, both physically and spiritually. This reminds us to seek God’s guidance in all areas of life, trusting Him to lead us closer to Him.

v. 4: David expresses his joy in worshiping God. He says, “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God”. David looks forward to worshiping God with joy and thanksgiving. He calls God his “exceeding joy,” showing that his greatest happiness comes from being close to God. Worship is not just a duty but a source of deep joy for those who love God.

v. 5: David encourages himself to hope in God. He says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God”(Psalm 43:5 ). Even though he feels discouraged, David reminds himself to trust in God. He believes that he will praise God again because God is his help and his God. This verse teaches us to speak truth to ourselves when we feel down, reminding ourselves of God’s faithfulness and love.