Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 43

Plead. Heb. rib, “to contend,” “to conduct a case against” (see on Ps. 35:1; cf. 1 Sam. 24:15). An ungodly nation. The psalmist is probably referring to his own nation, which he knows to be far from God’s ideal. Unjust man. Perhaps to be understood collectively of the psalmist’s enemies.

Why? The question of Ps. 42:9 is repeated in a stronger form. David is not only forgotten, he is cast off.

Thy light and thy truth. Mercy and faithfulness (see Ps. 4:6; 25:10; 26:3; 27:1 36:9; 1 John 1:5). Thy holy hill. If the psalm was written after David’s capture of Jerusalem (see Introduction to Ps. 42), the expression evidently refers to Mt. Zion. Prior to the erection of the Temple the ark was housed in a temporary dwelling in Jerusalem (2 Chron. 1:3, 4). The ancient tabernacle was at Gibeon (1 Chron. 16:39).

My exceeding joy. Literally, “the gladness of my joy.” Harp. Heb. kinnor, “lyre” (see on Ps. 33:2, 3; see p. 34). When joy is inexpressible in human speech, music gives expression far beyond the limitations of language.

Why art thou cast down? The refrain to Ps. 43, or the third appearance of the refrain to the entire elegy if Ps. 42 and 43 are considered one (see on Ps. 42:5, 11). In the Hebrew the refrain here is identical with the refrain of Ps. 42:11. A few Hebrew manuscripts and the LXX have all three refrains in practically identical form (see Ps. 42:11). In this refrain is the epitome of the human experience of the Christian: the problem of suffering, the assurance of help, the confidence of ultimate victory through faith (see 1 John 5:4).