Psalms 43

1 Vindicate [judge, plead my cause] me, O God [Elohim, the supreme Judge], and plead [contend for, argue] my case against an ungodly [unfaithful] nation [Gentile, non-Hebrew people]; deliver [rescue, save] me from deceitful [false, cheating] and unjust [wicked, morally evil] men. word study 2 For You [the God of my strength] are the God [Elohim, the one supreme God] of my refuge [security, a fortified place]. Why [what or how] have You rejected [cast me off, abandoned] me? Why [what or how] must I walk [go, move] in sorrow [mourning, darkness] because of the enemy’s [adversary, one who opposes] oppression [cruel treatment, distress]? word study 3 Send out Your [divine] light [and spiritual illumination] and Your truth [faithfulness and stability]; let them lead me [guide and direct]. Let them bring me to Your holy [set-apart and sacred] mountain [hill], and to the place [tabernacle, dwelling] where You dwell [reside and abide]. word study 4 Then I will go [to approach, draw near] to the altar [place of sacrifice, worship] of God [Elohim, the supreme God], to God [my exceeding joy, the source of my happiness], my greatest joy [gladness, rejoicing]. I will praise [give thanks, express gratitude] You with the harp [lyre, a musical instrument], O God [the God I worship], my God. word study 5 Why are you downcast [crushed, disheartened], O my soul [the essence of my being, my inner self]? Why the unease [turmoil, disquiet] within me? Put your hope [wait, trust] in God [Elohim, the supreme Savior], for I will yet praise Him, my Savior [the one who saves, delivers] and my God [the one I worship, reverence]. word study