It is generally assumed that David wrote this Psalm, though it is not titled. Some suggest that it is a continuation of Psalm 42. Also, it is thought that he was referencing Saul as the ungodly man and Israel as the ungodly nation. David knows that he is Gods anointed king, yet his faith is sometimes tested and tried by His Lord that he might be strengthened in his faith and courage. With an honest heart, David calls upon God to give him assurance of His promises and that he must …come boldly unto the throne of grace, that [he] …may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Psalms 43:1 ¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. In this first verse David invites God to judge him. This is not a challenge but a plea to his Righteous Judge. Literally he pleads for God to judge him in righteousness; Psalms 139:23-24, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. The saint of God may be falsely accused as David was and only God knows the truth; therefore, we should not be afraid to call upon our Master to search our hearts. It is always better to have the Lord judge your heart than man; for He judges rightly and can show you the right way. Understand, however that it is not that we are totally clean in the flesh, but that we have, on our behalf, the precious blood of Christ which cleanses us from all sin.
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? In verse two David does not say, “if thou art the God of my strength.” He is not questioning the authority or motives of God. He said, “For thou art the God of my strength.” David is pleading with God to show him His purpose. Remember Romans 8:28? And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Certainly, God had not cast him off, but it seemed to David that He had. Even though it may seem at times that God has forsaken you, be assured that He has not, for that could never happen. If you have been born again He is your eternal heavenly Father. Psalms 28:7 The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 94:14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? The answer to this question may be simple or it may be complicated. It may be a lack of faith on Davids part. It may be designed in the same way as Jobs trial. This is followed by an humble plea to send light and truth upon him that he might be cleared of all guilt. The Lord has many ways to test our faith and to strengthen our courage, but His motive is always for our good and His own glory. Next time we shall examine verse three, O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, [thy presence] and to thy tabernacles [the place of worship]. Take heart dear saint, our Lord is on your side; the Holy Spirit is still your Comforter. E-mail, johnpruitt@frontiernet.net