Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments

A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023.

The subject of this Psalm is so much the same with that of the preceding, that some commentators have been inclined to believe it to be a continuation of it, particularly as there is no title to interrupt. There seems, however, this difference; that the former was written when the affairs of the psalmist were at the worst; but this, when they began to amend; when he had greater hopes of repossessing his kingdom, and recovering the command of his beloved Zion, where the tabernacle of God resided. He appeals to God, Psalms 43:1 , Psalms 43:2 . Prays to be restored to the public ordinances, and trusts in God, Psalms 43:3-5 .

Psalms 43:1-2. Judge me, O God, &c. “O God, the supreme Judge of the whole world, I appeal to thee, in this contest between me and a seditious people, who, void of piety and humanity,” (so the phrase לא חסיד , lo chasid, here rendered ungodly, means,) “are risen up in rebellion against me, beseeching thee to vindicate my innocence, and defend me from their violence.” Bishop Patrick. He calls the company of his enemies a nation, because of their great numbers: for they were the far greater part, and almost the whole body of the nation. Deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man Who hath covered his wicked designs with fair and false pretexts, pretending devotion when he went to make an insurrection, 2 Samuel 15:7; 2 Samuel 15:10. Deliver me from the crafty counsel which Ahithophel gives him; and from the open force whereby he seeks injuriously to take away my life, Ibid. Psalms 17:1-2. For thou art the God of my strength, &c. I have none to flee unto for safety and protection but thee alone; who hast ever hitherto been my mighty deliverer, and art now my only support.

Psalms 43:3-5. O send out Actually impart and discover; thy light and thy truth Thy favour, or the light of thy countenance, and the truth of thy promises made to me; or, the true light, the illumination of thy Spirit, and the direction of thy gracious providence, whereby I may be led in the right way. Let them bring me unto thy holy hill Of Zion, the place of thy presence and worship. Then will I go unto the altar of God To offer sacrifices of thanksgiving for my deliverance; unto God my exceeding joy The principal author and matter of all my joy and comfort; or, as it is literally translated in the margin, The gladness of my joy: Why art thou cast down, O my soul, &c. See above, Psalms 42:5; Psalms 42:11.