Psalms 43

Psalms 43:1

Psalm 43: Send Out Your Light and Your TruthThis is a twin to the preceding Psalm. The connection is so great that the NEB links them together as if they were one composition. 43:1, 2 Here we have the continued prayer of an exile who wants to worship in Zion but is opposed by an apostate nation and an unjust man. This may picture the oppression of the godly Jewish remnant during the Tribulation Period by the unbelieving nation of Israel and the Antichrist. First comes the plea for vindication and for help. The psalmist asks God to defend the cause of His people against their unbelieving brethren and the man of sin. It is one of faith’s agonies to take refuge in God and yet feel cast off by Him; it is one of faith’s puzzles to be on the winning side and yet suffer under the heel of the enemy. 43:3 Then follows a positive and specific prayer for the return to Zion. The beauty of the language is incomparable: Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle.The psalmist wanted an escort consisting of the light of God’s presence and the truth of God’s promise. With these to lead him and with goodness and mercy following him (Psa_23:6), he was assured of a glad return to God’s holy hill. 43:4 Notice the progression in verses 3 and 4: To Your holy hill; To Your tabernacle; To the altar of God; To God my exceeding joy.The true worshiper is satisfied with neither a geographical location nor a building nor an altar. He must get through to God Himself! 43:5 Brightened by the prospect of appearing before God, the writer once again remonstrates with himself for being disheartened and troubled. Have faith in God, he urges, and He will surely bring you to your desired end. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end! Katharina von Schlegel