Psalms 43 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 43 Psa 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" ( Psa 10:18 ). plead, &c.-- ( Psa 35:1 ). ungodly-- neither in character or condition objects of God's favor (compare Psa 4:3 ).
2. God of my strength-- by covenant relation my stronghold ( Psa 18:1 ). cast me off-- in scorn. because-- or, "in," that is, in such circumstances of oppression.
3. light-- as in Psa 27:1 . truth-- or, "faithfulness" ( Psa 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.