"Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God."
Psalms 43:1-5
For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God."
Psalms 43:1-5
Historically, it is believed that this psalm was written by David, when Jonathan told him of Saul's intent to kill him. If this is true or not doesn't change the fact that it is obviously a passage written while under pressure. Each of the five verses carries a "motive" which can be used to better understand what is the intent of the passage. Let's take a look....
"Plea"
"Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man."
The phrase "Judge me, O God" has been identified in Adam Clarke's Commentary as being "a forensic term, properly enough translated, plead my cause, be my councillor and advocate." David is asking God to stand in his stead.
"...against an ungodly nation" is probably in reference to Babylon, the very nation that would destroy the first temple (Solomon's Temple) on the 9th of Av, 586 B.C.
"O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man." This was thought to be Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.
"Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man."
The phrase "Judge me, O God" has been identified in Adam Clarke's Commentary as being "a forensic term, properly enough translated, plead my cause, be my councillor and advocate." David is asking God to stand in his stead.
"...against an ungodly nation" is probably in reference to Babylon, the very nation that would destroy the first temple (Solomon's Temple) on the 9th of Av, 586 B.C.
"O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man." This was thought to be Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.
"Recognition"
"For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
"For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
Here, in the first part of the verse, David recognizes God for who He is and that God provides David's strength.
"...why dost thou cast me off?" David is asking why God is ignoring him. He goes on to ask he is being allowed to continue to suffer the attacks from the enemy.
"...why dost thou cast me off?" David is asking why God is ignoring him. He goes on to ask he is being allowed to continue to suffer the attacks from the enemy.
"Request"
"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles."
David's request is simple: Lead me! He asks God to use His light and truth as guides that will lead him to a point where he can be in the presense of God.
David's request is simple: Lead me! He asks God to use His light and truth as guides that will lead him to a point where he can be in the presense of God.
"Response"
"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God."
"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God."
Some might say this is trying to bargain with God: You do this for me, and I'll do this for you. I don't think so. Instead, this is more of a "this is what I will do as soon as you allow it" type of statement. When the oppression is lifted, there will be songs and praises of joy sacrificed unto God.
"Renewal"
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.
Notice that David doesn't wait until after God acts before starting the renewal process. As soon as he has presented his case to God, he acts with the confidence that God will hear his prayers and will respond. David says that he will continue to praise God, and that God is the source of his happiness, and that He is his God. Now, no where does it say that God will answer David's prayers immediately. But, David knows God WILL answer, in accordance with God's will and in God's time.
So, how does this become a "modern prayer"? When we read this passage as Christians, we can see how it directly applies to us now.
So, how does this become a "modern prayer"? When we read this passage as Christians, we can see how it directly applies to us now.
"Plea"
We ask Jesus, the Son of God, to be our councellor and advocate.
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"
1 John 2:1
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"
1 John 2:1
We are under oppression of an ungodly nation.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]."
Eph. 6:12
Eph. 6:12
And we ask to be delivered from a deceitful and unjust man.
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
2 Cor. 11:14-15
"Recognition"
2 Cor. 11:14-15
"Recognition"
We are aware that we must continue, with patience, for a purpose.
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
2 Pet. 3:9
"Request"
2 Pet. 3:9
"Request"
What is it that we ask of God?
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
1 Thes. 4:16-17
"Response"
1 Thes. 4:16-17
"Response"
What is it that we will do when God grants us permission?
"Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
Rev. 20:6
"Renewal"
Rev. 20:6
"Renewal"
Where can we find comfort while awaiting God's actions on our behalf?
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
Rom. 15:13
Rom. 15:13
Be encouraged by these words. God has heard(and is hearing) the prayers of us, His children. And soon we shall be with our savior, Jesus Christ, forevermore.
Grace and Peace....
Grace and Peace....
