4 Then I will go up to the altar of God, to the God of my joy; I will be glad and give praise to you on an instrument of music, O God, my God.
For though the fig-tree has no flowers, and there is no fruit on the vine, and work on the olive comes to nothing, and the fields give no food; and the flock is cut off from its resting-place, and there is no herd in the cattle-house: Still, I will be glad in the Lord, my joy will be in the God of my salvation.
I will come into your house with burned offerings, I will make payment of my debt to you, Keeping the word which came from my lips, and which my mouth said, when I was in trouble. I will give you burned offerings of fat beasts, and the smoke of sheep; I will make offerings of oxen and goats. (Selah.)
What may I give to the Lord for all the good things which he has done for me? I will take the cup of salvation, and give praise to the name of the Lord. I will make the offering of my oath to the Lord, even before all his people. Dear in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints. O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of her who is your servant; by you have my cords been broken. I will give an offering of praise to you, and make my prayer in the name of the Lord. I will make the offerings of my oath, even before all his people; In the Lord's house, even in Jerusalem. Praise be to the Lord.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 43
Commentary on Psalms 43 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 43
Ps 43:1-5. Excepting the recurrence of the refrain, there is no good reason to suppose this a part of the preceding, though the scope is the same. It has always been placed separate.
1. Judge—or, "vindicate" (Ps 10:18).
plead, &c.—(Ps 35:1).
ungodly—neither in character or condition objects of God's favor (compare Ps 4:3).
2. God of my strength—by covenant relation my stronghold (Ps 18:1).
cast me off—in scorn.
because—or, "in," that is, in such circumstances of oppression.
3. light—as in Ps 27:1.
truth—or, "faithfulness" (Ps 25:5), manifest it by fulfilling promises. Light and truth are personified as messengers who will bring him to the privileged place of worship.
tabernacles—plural, in allusion to the various courts.
4. the altar—as the chief place of worship. The mention of the harp suggests the prominence of praise in his offering.