Bible Commentary

Psalms 43:1-5

Matthew Henry on Psalms 43:1-5

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

As to the quarrel God had with David for sin, he prays, Enter not into judgment with me, if Thou doest so I shall be condemned; but as to the quarrel his enemies had with him, he prays, Lord, judge me, and in thy providence appear on my behalf.

If we cannot comfort ourselves in God, we may stay ourselves upon him, and may have spiritual supports, when we want spiritual delights. He never cast off any that trusted in him, whatever fears they may have had of their own state.

We need desire no more to make us happy, than the good that flow from God's favour, and is included in his promise. Those whom God leads, he leads to his holy hill; those, therefore, who pretend to be led by the Spirit, and yet turn their backs upon ordinance, deceive themselves.

We are still to pray for the Spirit of light and truth, who supplies the want of Christ's bodily presence, to guide us in the way to heaven. Whatever we rejoice or triumph in, the Lord must be the joy of it.

David applies to God as his never-failing hope. Let us pray earnestly, that the Lord would send forth the truth of his word, and the light of his Spirit, to guide us into the way of holiness, peace, and salvation.

The desire of the Christian, like that of the prophet in distress, is to be saved from sin as well as sorrow; to be taught in the way of righteousness by the light of heavenly wisdom, shining in Jesus Christ, and to be led by this light and truth to the New Jerusalem.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:1-5EXPOSITION THE close connection of this psalm with the preceding has been already noticed (see the introduction to Psalms 42:1-11.). We must not, however, suppose an accidental detachment. Rather Psalms 43:1-5, is a sup…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:1Judge me, O God (comp. Psalms 35:24). And plead my cause. (comp. Psalms 35:1). God's intervention is asked in the struggle between David and his enemies, on the assumed ground that he is in the right, and not they. God…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:1-5Strengthening the heart in God. What Jonathan did for David when he went to him into the wood of Ziph, David does here for himself—he strengthens his heart in God (1 Samuel 23:16). "Hope in God." We learn here that— I.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:1-5God the salvation of the countenance; or, a light heart makes a bright face. Dr. Binnie remarks, "The forty-second and forty-third [psalms] (which go together), were almost certainly written by the Korahites who accompa…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:2For thou art the God of my strength; i.e. the God in whom is all my strength (Psalms 28:7). Why dost thou cast me off? An equivalent to the "Why hast thou forgotten me?" of Psalms 42:9. Why go I mourning because of the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:3O send out thy light and thy truth (Psalms 40:11; Psalms 57:3, where, however, "mercy ( חסד) and truth" take the place of "light and truth"). Both words equally signify God's favour. Let them lead me. As the pillar of f…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:4Then will I go unto the altar Of God. As the special place where thanksgiving ought to be made, and sacrifice offered (see 2 Samuel 6:17; 1 Chronicles 16:1). Unto God my exceeding Joy; literally, unto God the gladness o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 43:4God my exceeding Joy. As the Bible teems with thoughts which never would have entered men's minds without Divine teaching, so also of feelings, which, had they not been real, men would never have aspired or pretended to…Joseph S. Exell and contributors