LESSON 1, INTRODUCTION:

One of the most overlooked Psalms in the whole Book is Psalm 43. One reason being its location. Nestled adjacent to Psalm 42, its bigger and overpowering brother! Another reason being its content, again closely aligned to its predecessor. In fact, some "scholars" believe that Psalm 43 is merely an "extension" of Psalm 42.

I will not treat it as such.

Let's allow it to stand alone, a unit unto itself. And respect its integrity, a chapter of God-inspired Scripture, God breathed.

Only containing five verses, the Psalm is nonetheless "Power packed!" As is all God's Word!

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.

Yes, this is Psalm 43, every single word!

I love the "spirit" of this Poem, this Hymn, this Psalm.

He (the anonymous writer) begins his "lament" with (of course) a heavily burdened heart.

Definition: A "lamentation" is "a passionate expression of grief or sorrow." Or a piece of literature "filled with mourning, heavy-heartedness."

But the Psalmist brings his "load," his "pressure," his "burden" to the Lord! He (honestly) thinks his persecution is due to some "offense" he's committed against the Lord!

Yet such unpleasant issues do not deter his "hunger" for worship, His Love for God!

He's going to the House of God!

And, while the Psalm ends with all the "pressures" still in place, the writer "hopes" to soon be calm and at peace and praising God as in days long gone! He is literally claiming victory in the midst of the battle!

Oh, I am excited.

Let's notice this little "jewel" verse by verse.

At least for the next five days, maybe a little longer.

This sequence of thoughts, this vibrant spirit, this "conqueror's" attitude, needs to be replicated yet today.

We need men and women who will, to the Glory of God, live this chapter week after week.

The Lord willing, Verse 1 tomorrow.

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2, VERSE 1, ITS FIRST HALF:

Psalm 43:1 begins with a statement of a great life principle. For the Christian, anyway. Though it's just half a Verse, let's study it today.

"Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation." A group of ungodly people are "harassing" the writer, or maybe more than that, "persecuting" perhaps.

That's what the noun "nation" means. It's spelled "goy" in Hebrew, and is translated "people" 11 times in the Bible. It's written as "Gentiles" 30 more times. And as "heathen" 143 times!

Whoever they are, they have been "unjust" to the psalmist.

They are further characterized as being "ungodly." This is an interesting expression, in Hebrew especially. It's a translation of "lo" (meaning "not") and "chasiyd" (meaning "faithful, good, kind," then "holy, merciful, saintly"). These are not the people of God!

"Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation." Also notice Mr. Psalm Writer does not ask for anything selfish, simply for "justice!" The verb "plead" in Hebrew means "to render a proper verdict." Spelled "riyb," it appears twice in our Text. Once as "plead" then again as "cause." Here's faith, God being considered and accepted as the Judge of all earth! Listen to Abraham, talking to the Lord, about a matter. "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18:25

Then let me say a word about the first word in the Psalm (both in Hebrew and English). Word order is very significant in some languages, including Hebrew. "Judge" translates "shaphat," meaning "to govern." But it also can hold the idea, "to vindicate." Even "to avenge," if a plaintiff is found to be innocent! Twice it's "condemn" when the enemy is found guilty!

Last of all, the Psalmist brings his plea to "God." Not this time the Name "Jehovah," but "Elohiym" is being used. This is God the "mighty" One! This is God the (a plural noun being used here) Triune One! We now express this as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

But ... what's the point today?

The real Lesson?

When we are being done wrong, falsely accused, misrepresented, take it to the Lord! Ask Him to defend and acquit you and your testimony!

That is, if you are indeed free of guilt.

And if not innocent, apologize.

Make the wrong right, best you can.

Psalm 43:1, written about 3,000 years ago, yet still applicable today. By the way, the clause is phrased as a "prayer" too. "Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation."

"Lord, I put my plight into thy Hands!"

And there let it rest!

This reminds me of one of Jesus' Prayers from the Cross. "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." Luke 23:46

Amen.

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 3, VERSE 1, THE LAST HALF:

Psalm 43 has an amazing opening verse, right to the point. For example, this direct little prayer, directed straight to God. "O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man." Short, but so very lucid!

The verb "deliver" here translates "palat," Hebrew meaning "to escape, to save, rescue." It's a Qal imperative verb, as far as Hebrew grammar is concerned. Active voice, phrased as a command!

God is here being asked "to do" something!

He is actually being "told" to do so, but that's common in Old Testament praying. Based on God's previous promises, I assume. Or else revealing strong faith!

"O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man." Here two adjectives are used for the man who oppresses the Psalmist.

The first, "deceitful," means "filled with guile." Subtle, crafty, deliberately misleading.

Then "unjust" means "wicked, filled with iniquity." Really, "sinful."

The writer is obviously under duress. If not outright persecution.

And this is a common prayer of Scripture.

Listen to Paul ask the Thessalonian Believers to pray for him, one aspect of his request is especially pertinent. "Finally, brethren, pray for us ... that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." Second Thessalonians 3:1-2

Thousands have so trusted the Lord to keep them safe.

We can too.

Pray this for your family today. Children and Grandchildren especially!

Dear Lord ... "O deliver me (us) from the deceitful and unjust man." In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Wow!

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 4, VERSE 2, GOD OUR STRENGTH:

I have always enjoyed studying the Bible verse by verse. And with Psalm 43 having no more than 5 verses, we have the "luxury" of noticing every clause! Every phrase even!

Today we see how Verse 2 opens with a statement. "For thou art the God of my strength." Of course the whole verse says more, but this initial thought is independent too. Your grammar teacher would have called it "an independent clause."

Obviously the "Thou" of our Text is God Himself. He is the Addressee of these words. And the Pronoun here, "attah," is emphatic. God is the Major Focus! This line is not man-centered!

The Noun "God" translates "elohiym," the Hebrew spelling. It means "God," but in a Triune Sense! Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Or so we Christians believe. The word is plural. And it certainly cannot be rendered "gods!" It is then a "Plurality" within a "Unity!" God is One. Yet He expresses Himself as One in Communion with Himself! One as Three!

It is also thought that the word "el" in Hebrew means "mighty one!" It all (this whole semantic domain) hails from an unused root word meaning "to twist" together! Power in Harmony! Braided together! Father, Son, Holy Spirit ... Almighty God!

"For thou art the God of my strength."

In other words, the God of All Might is in reality the ultimate Source of my strength too!

This noun, "strength," is "maoz." But the word signifies "refuge!" Safety, protection, fortress, stronghold! Its root verb, "azaz," most often means "to prevail." To be victorious in battle!

Wow!

All our personal strength, if true to its name, is derived from our Great God in Heaven above!

The Psalmist elsewhere even said, to the Lord: "All my springs are in Thee." Psalm 87:7

All we have, including our "strength," comes down from above! I'll close with James' classic statement on the matter: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17

Thank the Lord today for your strength!

             Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 5, VERSE 2, "WHY DOST THOU CAST ME OFF?"

In Psalm 43:2 the Psalmist asks the Lord a question. An apparently discouraged Psalmist! "Why dost thou cast me off?"

Wow!

"Lord, it looks like you have forgotten me!"

But more than that!

"It looks like you have thrown me away!"

That's exactly what's being implied here.

Here's verse 2, now including the previous clause. "For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off?"

The verb "cast off" is spelled (in Hebrew) "zanach." It's defined as "to reject, to spurn, to push aside." Under other circumstances it can even mean "to stink, to become odious."

It is used 20 times in the Old Testament.

And, surprisingly, here's its first appearance. David is instructing his Son Solomon. "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." First Chronicles 28:9, using "zanach" for "cast off."

So our Psalmist is using Bible terminology, after all!

Psalm 44:23 might even be more bold, unto the Lord. "Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever." Same verb, same meaning!

At times of "sterility," during times of "dryness," when spiritually "defeated," it seems Israel of old did think God had "cast her away!"

Several times also, in the Scriptural history of the word, I see linkage with God's Presence and the nation's Army doing well. Picturing God as Commander in Chief of the forces of His people!

For example: "Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?" Psalm 60:10, with "zanach" still being used.

The metaphor seems to involve God's Anger as well. "O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?" Psalm 74:1

But there must have been some sliver of hope that the Lord would not leave Israel forever! "Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?" Psalm 77:7

Once God "hiding His Face" is paralleled with His act of "casting off." That's in Psalm 88:14, perhaps the bleakest Psalm in the Bible. "LORD, why castest thou off my soul? Why hidest thou thy face from me?"

Lord, help us fight our battles! Be our Captain! Be, as Exodus 15:3 calls Thee, our "Man of War!" Psalm 108:11 pleads: "Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?" Where the noun "hosts" means "troops, armies."

In Lamentations 3:17 God has taken away (now "hast moved," but still employing "zanach") the "peace" Israel once enjoyed. Peace of mind, peace of heart, peace with God! "And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity."

But now ... here's the best news of all! "For the Lord will not cast off for ever." Lamentations 3:32, immediately followed by the even more encouraging: "But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies."

Amen!

Yes, for the Believer "discouragement" is temporary!

God's Presence is sure!

Here's the last time "zanach" is used in Scripture. And God is talking to His people. "And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them." Zechariah 10:6

As though it never happened!

Dark times will come.

But they will not last!

"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." We will end here today, Psalm 30:5, Praise the Lord!

Yes.

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6, VERSE 2, "WHY GO I MOURNING BECAUSE OF THE ENEMY?"

If ever a completely honest writer lifted a pen, our Psalmist here certainly qualifies. Psalm 43 is really a "lament," an expression of sorrow and hurt and grief. So far in our studies we've reached verse two, its last clause. Another question for the Lord: "Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

The Believer here has an "enemy!"

The root word means "to be hostile" to a person. The writer here feels, senses, "hatred" from these detractors. Someone despises him!

"Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

Now we must look at the noun "oppression." Spelled "lachatzs" in Hebrew, it possesses the idea of "distress, affliction." Namely, great "pressure!" Its parent verb means "to squeeze, to crush, to force or thrust." All of which are uncomfortable!

And look how this torment, this animosity impacts the Psalmist. "Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

He "mourns."

This verb, "qadar," means "to be in the dark!" Really, of its seventeen times in the Bible, ten of them are linked to "blackness" in some way! Once more it is rendered "heavy."

Burdened!

Loaded down with care!

Then six times "qadar" is "to mourn."

Like a loved one has died!

That's humanity for you. We all, to one degree or another, experience such feelings. Moses did. Paul did. Even Jesus on the Cross had some "Why" questions!

Today I merely want you to see that the writer did not try to hide his feelings from God. He brought his questions to the Answerer!

He obeyed, though it was not yet written, First Peter 5:7. He "cast" all his "care" on the Lord.

Similarly, Psalm 37:5 has a little clause that comes to mind occasionally. "Commit thy way unto the LORD." There the verb "commit," spelled "galal," means "to roll it over on someone!" To leave it in their hands! Once, "to wallow" in their security!

When you're hurting, tell Jesus!

He cares!

By the way, today's verse does not contain the answer to the writer's searchings. But he continues to trust His Lord. Then, eventually, before his Psalm ends ... peace and victory have come!

They did for him.

They will for you.

After all, we have a Shepherd Who will never leave us or forsake us! His Rod and His Staff ... you know!

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 7, VERSE 3, NEEDING GOD'S LIGHT AND TRUTH:

Negative thoughts have "attacked" the Psalmist, relentlessly. Enemies have beset him all around. He has even felt neglected by his God!

Yet his faith has not failed!

Though puzzled, maybe even a bit confused, he keeps coming to the Foot of the Throne of Almighty God!

In Verse 1 he prays, "O God," using the Name of the Trinity!

In Verse 2 he calls the Lord, "the God of my strength."

And now today he lodges a petition with his great God. A wise request.

If you recall, the  verb "to be mourning" means, in Hebrew, "being in the darkness!" In blackness, an absence of light, little discernment. Yes, our writer is that perplexed! "Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" Psalm 43:2, yesterday's discussion.

Now here's that request I mentioned, the prayer our little Believer launches Heavenward. "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me." Psalm 43:3, what a plea!

He's not asking for a new chariot!

Or a new ox or wardrobe of clothes!

Just some "light" on his situation, his "dreary" set of circumstances!

Just a nugget of "truth" to spur him onward!

He longs for what another Psalmist once called a "token" for good!

(A brief three sentence "aside:" In fact, someone today "claim" this verse, right now. Pray it for your situation! "Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me." Psalm 86:17)

This Psalmist's "token" for good is explained as some "light" and "truth." Our Psalm 43 writer.

He is disoriented, apparently. He's been knocked for a "loop!" He needs his Shepherd to "lead" him rightly.

Again, "Lord ... O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me."

The verb "send out" is "shalach" in Hebrew. It means "to cast out, to scatter, to sow." It can also mean "to stretch out," as if asking the Lord to "reach down" and touch a languishing soul!

"Light" is simply spelled "or" in Hebrew, pronounced "ore." It just means "brightness, clearness, morning, sunshine!" What a help that can be! Our God, in fact, IS Light! Jesus is. "I am the Light of the World" He promised. And God our Heavenly Father? He is even now, "dwelling in the Light," according to Paul in First Timothy 6:16. God can "lighten" our ways, folks!

"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me."

But our little intercessor also wants "truth." This is "emeth" and means "firmness, faithfulness, reliability." Lord, just let Thy Word remain stable! "Confirm" Thy Word to my heart! (Reminds me of a clause from Mark 16:20, "The Lord working with them, and confirming the word.")

Light, truth ... God's Presence!

A "token" for good!

A "smile" from Heaven!

A "promise" from Scripture! (There are thousands of them. Find one today ... claim it just for you!)

Now to finish our clause, those last four words. "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me."

To be "led" by God's Light and Truth!

This verb is "nachah" and means "to guide" someone. "To govern" their paths! Once it means "to keep them straight!"

Someone pray this verse for yourself today, a parallel thought to Psalm 43:3 here. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." A promise directly from the Lord, Psalm 32:8. True to the core, as well!

Lord, instruct me.

Tech me.

Guide me with Thine Eye!

Wow!

A plea for direction!

Blended with Light and Truth!

Someone today needs to ponder these words! For hours! Roll them over and over again in your mind. Bring them to the Lord. Make them your own! "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me."

Then watch God work!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8, VERSE 3, GOD'S HOLY HILL, HIS TABERNACLES:

Today our Psalmist, who has so intently sought the Lord's "leadership," God's "Light" and "Truth," tells us where he wants to go, his life "destination."

The whole verse relates: "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." Psalm 43:3

The Lord's "Light and Truth," thus His very "Character," His "Essence" the theologians say ... will "lead" and "guide" the Psalmist where?

And this is his desire!

"Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles."

Yes!

He wants to go to the House of God!

To that "Holy Hill," a reference either to Jerusalem generally or Mount Zion particularly. To the Hill upon which the Tabernacle (or Temple) sits!

The noun "tabernacles" translates the Hebrew "mishkan," a "dwelling place!" And "mishkan" is related to the Hebrew noun "shekinah!"

God's Shekinah Glory!

God's abiding, overshadowing Glory!

The "Cloud" of Moses' day!

"Let them bring" (in "Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.) ... the central verb of today's Text, today's clause, means "to come," but also "to go." He wants to come and go ... and center his whole life ... around the things of God!

"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles."

That deep a love for worship!

For the God Whom we worship!

Sounds a lot like David. His magnum opus on the subject is found in Psalm 27:4. The King's heart's desire! "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple."

Yes!

Oh, how a godly Jew loved Jerusalem! Our Saviour did too, still does! Matthew 23:37 records His longings. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

Then to love the City implies loving its greatest possession! The Temple there! "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God." Psalm 84:1-2

There's more: "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalm 84:10

This is the writer (Psalm 43) who began his Poem discouraged!

Now he's just "hungry!"

Hungry for God!

Wow!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

What a difference the Lord can make!

LESSON 9, VERSE 4, GOD DESCRIBED ... TWICE:

A promise ... to worship the Lord!

Two main verbs, each forcefully committing the Psalmist to do a right thing! He's already been "hungry" to be at God's House.

"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." Psalm 43:4

This Verse may need two days, as far as commenting on its "beauty" is concerned!

The first thing I notice is that God is described, twice. Almost re-named, I think. He is, to the Poem writer: "God, my exceeding joy." Then, in parallel fashion, He is also: "God, my God!"

And these worship promises are directed to Him!

The Source of man's joy!

And the Object of man's love, personally so!

The clause, "My exceeding joy," is thrilling. The Hebrew construction here is enlightening, too. Two nouns "build" the expression. It's that powerful! "Simchah" and "giyl," to be precise. The first means "gladness, mirth, merriness," and is based on a root verb meaning "gaiety, pleasure." One Lexicon says it means "gladness" with one's whole heart! All 94 times the word appears in Scripture it carries this type meaning. Things will "turn out delightfully" if I can worship God!

And the second verb, "giyl," is even more expressive. While once it is translated "exceeding" (right here), it most often is rendered "joy." Yet it often means "to exult." In the old sense of the word's definition, "to leap upward!" Really "giyl" has a root history meaning "to circle around!" One teachers says, "to spin round and round!" This is emotional, as well as spiritual! "Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy."

Now to the second naming of God, "my God." Vocabulary does not help as much on this one. The term just makes God all the more Real, personalizing Him! Claiming Him as one's own! Reminds me of the first words of Psalm 63 really. "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee."

Amen!

In the New Testament age, the age of the Grace of God, the "Church" dispensation, we would say "He is my personal Saviour!"

That idea, "my God."

The man, our Psalm 43 composer ... indeed does know the Lord!

And he's longing to worship Him ... in Jerusalem, at the Temple, in body, physically present.

I'll finish the Verse tomorrow, Lord willing.

Marching to "Zion" ... "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." Psalm 43:4

Doesn't this make you long for the Lord's Day?

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10, VERSE 4, CLASSIC "PARALLELISM" PLUS A SPIRITUAL TRUTH:

Today we see clearly how a verse of Hebrew poetry can express two "parallel" thoughts. Our "specimen" is Psalm 43:4. "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."

Now let me align the two clauses for optimum exposure.

"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy,"

"Upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God."

The top line and bottom line both "match" in two ways. Each "names" God by a Reverent Title. In line 1 He is "God my exceeding Joy." In line 2 He is "O God My God." These are certainly harmonious, symphonic nearly!

Then in line 1 an activity is mentioned. "I will go to the altar." Line 2 matches immediately "I will praise God!"

I hope you see it, "parallelism!"

That makes "verse" into real "poetry" by Hebrew standards. It has "rhythm" verbally, not necessarily a "sound" (as in phonetics) that rhymes.

Now let me share a thought with you from the verse. "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."

The Psalmist here equates "going unto the altar of God," obviously an act of worship ... with "upon a harp praising God!"

An altar of worship!

Along side a tongue, a heart, (fingers too if he's playing the harp), an entire body praising God in worship!

Here's my point.

Worship here "explodes" into praise! Watch it again: "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."

Yes, worship involves Bible study.

Yes, worship involves fellowship (we worship in groups) ... "not forsaking the assemblying of ourselves together."

Yes, worship involves faithfulness.

Yes too, worship involves prayer.

And yes, now we know for sure, worship also involves praise!

God loves to be praised!

And He is worthy to be praised!

As in Psalm 150. "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (The foregoing "praise" verbs area all imperative! God is commanding us to praise Him. And rightly so!)

So yes, at the "altar" I can "praise" my Dear God!

The Psalmist did.

And the Lord approved.

           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 11, VERSE 5, A PERSONAL QUESTION:

Four questions, that's how many I've found in Psalm 43. Each helps set the "mood" for this little Biblical Poem. Today, in Verse 5, we see the third of the set. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? "

Here's introspection at its best!

First I thought, "This question appears elsewhere in Scripture." Does it not? A quick search reveals two more times, word for word!

And you'll be surprised where. In Psalm 42, our little Psalm's predecessor! Yes, Psalm 42:5 begins, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? "

Then Psalm 42:11 echoes likewise! "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? "

This makes some Bible scholars wonder if once the two Psalms were "joined." Notice that Psalm 42 has a "heading," a "superscript," prior to its first verse. And Psalm 43 does not! (And all the other Psalms in the "neighborhood" do!)

Then too, Psalms 42-49 are all Psalms "of the Sons of Korah," with the sole exception of Psalm 43. So ... is there "linkage" here? No one really knows for sure, but the Lord, the Real Author! But, as I said in the introductory Lesson, for us right now Psalm 43 stands alone. By the way, a detailed study of Psalm 42 (more than twice as long as Psalm 42), already exists here on the Website anyway.

Yet it is very interesting. Today's question being twice asked just one Psalm earlier! And then asked no where else in the Bible, not just like this anyway.

Plus, this identical "likeness" holds true both in English and Hebrew! "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? "

Now let's examine the verb involved here. "Cast down" translates from Hebrew "shachach." The verb is, grammatically, a "reflexive" term. Meaning the action falls back on the subject, intensively. Here is a truly discouraged, "bottomed-out" individual! His life is being severely "impacted" by his circumstances. He's almost past going!

Then too, the verb here is fairly rare in the Bible. I can only locate it 5 times, every one of them being in these "Korah" Psalms earlier mentioned. The last usage being in Psalm 44:26. "For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth." Oops, I missed number 2 of the 5, located within Psalm 42:7. Not a question, but "shachach" just the same. "O my God, my soul is cast down within me."

Basically "shachach" negatively means "stooped, humbled, prostrated, weakened, in despair!"

The problems of life have absolutely overwhelmed the Psalmist.

I don't like leaving him today, not that depressed. But I will tell you this. He's better by tomorrow! He will work through this gloom and step out of the "darkness" praising God!

Soon he will be advising himself! To ... "hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." These are actually the last lines of our Psalm!

From the valley to the mountain?

But how?

And how so soon?

That answer in a couple of days!

Stay with us, please.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

If you're reading here today "discouraged, heavily burdened, almost in despair" ... there's victory in Christ Jesus!

Another Psalm expresses it this way. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5

Amen.

LESSON 12, VERSE 5, DISQUIETED:

If ever a Psalm shows "parallelism" in its structure, little Psalm 43 does. It beautifully repeats itself, several times, in expository fashion.

Its fifth Verse, the first half, gives another classic example. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?"

Here's a poetic spiritual self-evaluation!

Out writer obviously is discouraged.

Many things have happened that appear to be "against" him. This sounds  a little like the downcast Jacob in Genesis 42:36. "And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me."

Again, though to a lesser degree, Psalm 43:5. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?" 

Now, let me show you the "parallelism," one clause re-stating another. Like this, the Psalmist is asking his very soul:

"Why art thou cast down?"

"Why art thou disquieted within me?" 

(This even looks pretty!)

Yesterday we studied the verb "cast down."

Today, a synonym, "disquieted."

The one helps explain the other. Both together give us a fuller picture of how the Psalmist really feels.

Yes, "are disquieted" translates "hamah" in Hebrew, surprisingly meaning "to roar, growl, rage, make noise, be tumultuous!"

I find the word 34 different times in the Bible. And in each case some type of "disquietedness" is apparent.

"Hamah" initially appears in the Bible in First Kings 1:41 and is there translated "uproar." Then 11 times it is used in the Psalms. For example, in Psalm 83:2 "hamah" is rendered as "tumult." Proverbs, using our verb 4 more times, expresses it as "concourse" in 1:21. Then in Proverbs 11:7 it is just written as "loud!" And in Zechariah 9:15 "hamah" is the sound a drunkard makes as he boisterously goes about his evening. Word for word, "make a noise as through wine."

So our Psalm 43 author ("Why art thou disquieted within me?") is not at peace. He is restless within. Deeply disturbed!

And not quietly so, either!

And yet, in the midst of all this doubt and mistrust and mild complaining ... he still tells the Lord about it! He does not  "mask" his feelings! He is honest and open with His Creator!

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?" And earlier in the Psalm (a short Psalm) ... "Lord, why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

Wow!

Reminds me of the song we sing, "Tell it to Jesus."

Or "Bring your Burdens to the Lord and leave them there!"

This Psalm is often characterized as a "lament." An expression of sorrow and grief. It is indeed. But it's more so a Poem of trust! Trust in the Lord ... and an ultimate overcoming of one's foes. Whether "inner" or "outer" enemies!

Not to give away tomorrow's Lesson, but now notice the remainder of Verse five. "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."

Wow!

What just happened?

Some kind of inner strength just "exploded" on the horizon!

We'll learn more ... later.

If today in your spiritual life you are here: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?"  

Be faithful.

God can soon bring you here: "Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

So true!

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 13, VERSE 5, THE "KEY" TO THE WHOLE PSALM:

What an amazing ending, its final few words, those of Psalm 43. In a single verse, soaring from the depths of discouragement to the heights of trust and faith and ultimately, delight!

Here's Verse 5 in entirety. "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."

Wow!

Today, in sequence, we notice the "heart" of the whole unit. Its grand conclusion! "Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him."

Telling himself, apparently, based on what he knows about the Character of Almighty God, that "hope" is here appropriate!

Hope ... in the midst of turmoil!

In fact, he is requiring it of himself. The verb "hope" is imperative, a demand, a stark mandate!

Psalmist, he says to his innermost being, you will not fear.

You will not worry.

You will not complain.

You will not even doubt.

You will instead HOPE!

Wow again!

The verb "hope" translates "yachal" in Hebrew. It's used 42 times in the Old Testament, once meaning "to lean" on the Lord! It is expressed "to wait" on the Lord 12 times. "To tarry" 3 more times. And "to trust" twice. That leaves nearly 25 times for it to be rendered "to hope." Blend these synonyms and you have a good idea of the Biblical meaning, "yachal."

In Genesis 8:12, the verb's first occurrence in the Bible, Noah is "waiting" (expressed as "stayed" in the King James Version) seven more days before sending out the dove again.

Just "waiting" ... on God!

He, the Lord, will not fail!

What a Believer, this Psalmist.

Staying faithful "under" the load.

While simply "waiting" on God to change things, or to change the person enduring those things!

Astounding!

Then comes a note of optimism!

"Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him." 

The future is brighter!

The "yet" here is "od" in Hebrew. It means "still," as in "still" doing something. Maybe our little hero has not ever stopped praising God, even with all his problems! He's "still" at it!

But "od" can also mean "continuance," or "a going around." As in: "I have praised Him before ... and will assuredly do it again!"

Wow³!

And the verb "praise," spelled "yadah" in the Text,  literally means "to throw, to cast, to shoot, to hurl!" The idea, we think, is to constantly "shoot" little words of adoration and worship and thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, all through the day and night!

Amen!

And this praising is framed as an on-going action!

Continual!

This is truly the "turn around" Verse of the Psalm!

And of a man's life!

"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."

Psalm 43, all of it.

Oh, Lord, let me preach this Chapter somewhere soon!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 14, VERSE 5, "MY GOD" AND "MY SALVATION:"

The Psalm ends with God being classified in two different ways. "Named" in two different, though complementary, avenues of life.

He is both "The health of my countenance" and "my God."

Yes, "victory" has now come to the once discouraged Psalmist. Here's all of verse 5, the final verse of the little Chapter. "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." This verse alone nearly tells the story, summarizes, the whole Psalm.

We shall invert the thought sequence, taking the last "description" first, as far as our word study is concerned.

"My God," just to be able to truthfully say that about the Lord is tremendous! Learn a little grammar Lesson for a second or two, please. In Hebrew the way to make a noun plural is by "adding" to its end (as a suffix) the letter "y." Or more fully so, the letters "ay," if it's a (first person) common noun anyway.

So here, with the two short words ("my God") ending Psalm 43, God is spelled not "Elohiym" as usual, but "Elohay." Again, the closing "ay" makes the Proper Noun into a possessive. And He is now "my God!" From the Psalmist's perspective, of course.

It's one thing for the Almighty just to be "God." It's quite another for me to know Him! To feel so "at home" with Him that He can be called "my God!"

That will give you hope!

That will bring sunshine to life!

He, the Creator, is my God!

I have trusted Him to be my personal Saviour!

Wow!

The writer of Psalm 119:94 also knows this. Listen to Him talk to God. "I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts." See, He is the Lord's!

He too can say, "My God."

By the way, can you say that?

But next, in Psalm 43:5 ...

God is also "the health of my countenance," according to this very wise Psalmist. The now revived Psalmist!

The noun "health" is thrilling! And while it's true that 3 times the word is translated "health," it is far more often translated "salvation" in the King James Bible. A total of 65 times, in fact! God is the Psalmist's "salvation!"

The word is spelled "yeshuah," pronounced "yesh-oo'-ah," accenting the middle syllable. It's the Old Testament name "Joshua" folks! The "deliverer!" It's also the New Testament Name "Jesus!"

The "salvation" of my countenance!

Then the word "countenance" is "paniym," actually meaning something like this, "before my face." My God is always before me!

I will keep him in focus!

As the Center of my attention!

He has rescued me!

He has "saved" me!

I will praise Him for ever!

What a way to close a Psalm's last thought! "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."

From the valley to the mountain, its very highest peak at that!

All because of God!

The True and Living God!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Still, another Lesson from Psalm 43 tomorrow, the Lord willing.

LESSON 15, THE WHOLE PSALM, IN RETROSPECT:

Early this morning I discovered the following brief quotation concerning Psalm 43. I must share it. "This psalm is a song for those moments when one doesn't feel like singing. It is a poem of faith for those cold nights when one doesn't feel the flames of faith flickering too warmly in one's soul. It is a psalm for those times when one feels separated from God."

Here's our little Text again, Psalm 43. Read it, but now in light of the foregoing statement.

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.

The writer feels God is against him, clearly so. "Why does THOU cast me off?" Yet too he senses the hatred of some "enemy!" An enemy who lives in "an ungodly nation." A person who is "deceitful and unjust."

Perhaps the Psalmist is of the opinion that if God is "against" you ... so will life's "circumstances" oppose you as well. This is stated forcefully in Proverbs 16:7. "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."

Wow!

The writer here truly "aches" because of his perceived "separation" from God! (Some folks would not be "bothered" at all by such alienation.) He no longer has God's "Light!" He craves too God's Truth! "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me."

By the way, in view of New Testament theology, look at this! Jesus is the Light! Jesus is the Truth!

As is taught in John 8:12. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

And in John 14:6. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Amen!

There's another little "nugget" I missed earlier as we noted the Psalm verse-by-verse. He, our struggling Believer here, is apparently a "musician!" The noun "harp" is "kinnor" in Hebrew. Does it not appear to you that he can play that instrument? "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." Psalm 43:4

The actual definition for "kinnor" is ... something that "twangs." Yes, makes an unharmonious sound! This is strange! But are we being taught that it's proper to bring our selves to the Lord, "twangs" and all? He, the Lord, can take our "out-of-tune" problems of life ... and transform them into sweet "music" with which we can praise Him!

Wow!

Also in Psalm 73 (a full 30 chapters later in the Bible), folks, the writer is struggling with some of life's hard problems. Issues so "heavy" that he says: "My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped." Psalm 73:2, about to lose his faith!

And yet he never solved any of these puzzles ... until he went to the House of God! Here's his actual comment: "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I ...." Psalm 73:17, we too can understand a lot more than we do ... if we spend time, invest time, at the Lord's House!

That's where the writer of Psalm 43 got his "answers" anyway!

This whole Chapter (Psalm 43) is a real "gem!" And like a well-cut diamond, held under bright light, it "sparkles!" And with every "turn," the light is refracted ... revealing even more varied and gorgeous hues of beauty!

It's in my heart to preach this Psalm!

The diary of a troubled soul. His or her journey from the depths of discouragement ... and the brink of danger ... to the House of God ... to the delight of Victory in our Lord!

Hope, not yet realized ... but certainly "on the way!" Remember that last verse. "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." Psalm 43, its grand finale, verse 5.

Amen.

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 16, CONCLUSION:

It's with a "tinge" of sadness I begin this short little Article. I have come to love Psalm 43. It's short, but profound. It contains the basic Biblical approach to problem solving! And it, as all Scripture, is God-breathed!

The first "issue" to be solved is the shape and placement of Psalm 43 ... in the "Psalter" ... the Title teachers use for the whole Book of Psalms.

It follows Psalm 42, of course, but also echoes its themes! And from this fact (plus a few other "imagined" scenarios) a group of "scholars" who specialize in "form criticism" of Scripture tell us that Psalm 43 is just a "fragment," once lost, of Psalm 42 that has now been repositioned.

I mean to argue that Psalm 43 can stand alone! It is not necessarily a "continuation" of its predecessor. It well could be a shorter Poem, written later in life by the same Psalmist, reconfirming his faith in the Lord. A "supplemental hymn," written at life's sunset, saying "God remains faithful! He has not changed! His principles still work!"

Yes, the Psalm presents a problem burdened man, troubled on several sides. And shows how he brings all his difficulties to the Lord! The Writer of Psalm 43 believes true, sweet communion with God lightens or erases the "sting" of all life's heartaches.

You may be tired of reading it by now. But here's Psalm 43, all 5 verses, King James Version:

Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. ² 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? ³ O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. ⁴ 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. ⁵ 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.

Unbelief can never find God! Trusting faith always finds God! I saw this little four line poem about the Wisdom of God, His Plan for our lives, even when hard times come.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan God's work in vain;

GOD IS HIS OWN INTERPRETER,

And He will make it plain.

The Psalmist was suffering "affliction," and he went straight to God's Word for help! We should too. Read with me Psalm 119:50. It's precious! "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy Word hath quickened me."

Revival, new life, through God's Word! Strength through the Scriptures! Oh the power of God's Truth!

As I studied, I saw this too. "The more terrible the storm, the more necessary is the Anchor!" Folks, our Anchor holds! Hebrews 6:19 says we Christians have an Anchor that is both "sure and steadfast!"

Amen!

Victory in Jesus!

That's the summary of Psalm 43.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell