Psalms 43

ARGUMENT.. This Psalm, in all probability, was composed by the same author with the former (and accordingly the LXX. expressly ascribe it to David)) and upon the same occasion, when he was driven by Absalom (who drew the whole kingdom into his conspiracy, 2 Sam. xv. 10. 13, &c.) from the house of God, which he loved more than his own palace. Thither, therefore, he desires to be restored, and expresses his hope of it, in the Very same words that he did in the Psalm foregoing.

Psalms 43:1

J UDGE me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 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, are risen up in rebellion against me: beseeching thee to vindicate my innocence, and defend me from their violence. O deliver me from that deceitful man, who pretended devotion, when he went to make an insurrection; (2 Sam. xv. 7. 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, (2 SamrXvii. 1, 2.)

Psalms 43:2

For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?. For 1 have none to flee unto forsafety and protection, but thee alone; who hast ever hitherto been my mighty deliverer, and art now my only support: and therefore I hope thou wilt make haste to help me; because it puts me into the sorest agonies to see myself for the present so deserted by thee, that I can do nothing but bewail the forlorn condition and the miserable straits into which the enemy hath reduced me. (See Psal. xlii. 9.)

Psalms 43:3

O send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. I am beset with mighty armies; and have nothing to oppose to them but thy favour and thy faithfulness: O send forth the blessed effects of them, and, according to thy promises to those that depend on thee, let thy almighty power, in much mercy, lead and conduct me: let it go along with me/ and give me the victory over them; and bring me back again unto thy holy mountain, where thou hast fixed thy dwelling-place.

Psalms 43:4

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God