Bible Commentaries

Psalm 43:1-5

V:1. This is evidently a continuation of the preceding Psalm 7:8-11. Psalm 26:1. Psalm 35:13. Psalm 143:1-2.)

V:2 , 3. Note, Psalm 42:9-10. Thy light. (3) Thy favour, " which appeareth by the performance of thy promises.

Perhaps the Psalmist also meant, the light of heavenly Psalm 27:1-6.)

Tabernacles.] There were at this time two tabernacles; or, sacred tents that erected by Moses was at Gibeon and the ark of the covenant was stationed on mount Zion, in a tent which David had prepared for it. (Note, 1 Chronicles 16:37-43.)

V:4. My exceeding joy.] Or, " The gladness of my "joy." (Marg.) The fervent language used by the Psalmist, while anticipating his sacrifices of thanksgiving at the altar, is widely different from the frigid, unimpassioned religion of nominal Christians in general, and shames the lukewarmness of most of us. (Notes, Psalm 107:17-22; Psalm 107:31-32. Psalm 116:13-19. Psalm 118:19-26. Romans 5:11.)

V:5. Notes, Psalm 42:4; Psalm 5:11. Health.] salvations. Psalm 44:5. Heb.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Under the returns of distress and disconsolation, we should, again and again, have recourse to the effectual and only remedy of faith and prayer. As Israel treated David after all his successes in faithfully promoting their interests, and notwithstanding his wisdom and piety, with the blackest ingratitude, treachery, and injustice; and as even his beloved Absalom, and his professed friend and counsellor Ahithophel, joined and headed the base conspiracy; and as the Son of God met with far baser treatment from the same favoured, yet ungodly and merciless, nation : so no eminence or usefulness can exempt any pious man from the contempt or injuries of the wicked; whether he have to do with collective bodies, or individuals. But we should commit our cause to God, and he will plead it, and deliver us from every unrighteous and treacherous assault. And though inward temptations often concur with outward afflictions, yet God will never cast off those who trust in him as their Protector and Strength, according to his merciful and faithful promises. We should therefore discard such dishonourable fears; and pray the more earnestly, that the Lord would send forth the truth of his word and the light of his Spirit, to guide us into the ways of holiness, peace, and salvation : and by means of his ordinances on earth, bring us to his holy habitation in heaven. Through Christ, our Altar and Sacrifice, we may here find joy in God, for which we should bless and praise his name : but under every suspension of comfort, and every trouble, we should look forward to the season, when " God, our exceeding Joy," will end our sorrows and complete our felicity. Let us then silence our complaints, and repeatedly enquire, " Why art thou cast " down, O my soul ? and why art thou so disquieted within me ? " And resolve still to hope in God; for we shall yet eternally praise him, who is the Health of our countenance and our God."