Salmos 43
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Salmos 43:1-2
43:1 Because of the refrain in Ps. 42:5 and 11, which reoccurs in Ps. 43:5 no introduction in the MT in Psalm 43 (the only Psalm in Book 2 with no introduction) this was probably part of Psalm 42 at one time but was divided for some unknown reason. The Jewish Study Bible's marginal note (p. 1330) suggests that the fact that Psalm 42 focuses on the past, while Psalm 43 focuses on the future, that may be a hint as to why and where they were divided! ▣ "vindicate" This VERB (BDB 1047, KB 1622, Qal IMPERATIVE, cf. Ps. 7:8; 26:1; 35:24) basically means "to judge." The psalmist is using court language (cf. Ps. 17:1-3). YHWH is the righteous and fair judge of all human activity (i.e., Ps. 9:4). ▣ "plead my case" This is also court imagery (BDB 936, KB 1224, Qal IMPERATIVE). YHWH is the only fair and impartial judge! This same powerful court imagery is in Romans 8:31-39! ▣ "an ungodly nation" If it is true that Psalms 42 and 43 were originally one Psalm and that Ps. 42:6 means the author was in exile, then the "ungodly nation" would probably refer to Syria. It is surprising that the next line uses the descriptive phrase, "the deceitful and unjust man!" One would have expected the PLURAL and a description that focused on idolatry or aggression. See Contextual Insights of Psalm 42, C. ▣ "from the deceitful and unjust man" Although this use of "man" is SINGULAR, the synonymous parallelism that it is used in, is in a collective sense. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW POETRY 43:2 Life is hard, unfair, and problems come unexpectedly. All of us wonder why. have I offended God have I violated God's law is this a judgment for sin or a random occurrence of evil events and evil people in a fallen world? The psalmist asks "Why" (Ps. 43:2), so do all humans! Remember this is OT Wisdom Literature, which is a genre well known in the ANE. It addresses questions all humans ask. For Israel, the questions are related to YHWH and His revelations through Moses (i.e., the "Two Ways," cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; 30:15,19; Psalm 1). The OT does not answer all the questions in the same way as the NT. There is a change. progressive revelation new covenant the mystery of evil SPECIAL TOPIC: SUFFERING ▣ "the God of my strength" This is a recurrent refrain (BDB 731, i.e., a place of safety or protection, often translated "refuge," cf. Ps. 27:1; 28:7-8; 31:2,4; 37:39; 52:7; Isa. 17:10; 25:4; 27:5; Jer. 16:19). Faithful followers can always know that YHWH is their hope, protection, and place of safety amidst the problems and conflicts of this fallen world. However, this peace must be embraced. It is a faith act and a worldview that is unrelated to the swirling circumstances of this present reality! ▣ "Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" This is very similar to Ps. 42:9. The question is, "who is the enemy?"
Salmos 43:3-4
43:3 "send" This VERB (BDB 1018, KB 1511, Qal IMPERATIVE) is a prayer request which personifies YHWH's light ‒ BDB 21 as YHWH's favor ‒ Ps. 4:6; 44:3 as a guide ‒ Micah 7:8 as eschatological light ‒ Isa. 9:2 (first coming of Jesus); Isa. 60:19-20 (second coming of Jesus) truth ‒ BDB 54 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT) an attribute of YHWH often translated "faithfulness" ‒ Ps. 40:10; 71:22; 115:1; 138:2 often personified as YHWH's agents or messengers ‒ Ps. 40:11; 43:3; 57:3; 85:10; 89:14 Notice what "the light" and "the truth" are to do. let them lead me ‒ BDB 634, KB 685, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense let them bring me to Your holy hill ‒ BDB 97, KB 112, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense SPECIAL TOPIC: TRUTH ▣ "holy hill" This is one of many ways to refer to the temple on Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem. It is also called (usually with the ADJECTIVE "holy"): Zion (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ZION) house sanctuary habitation temple mountain city of God Here it is parallel to "Your dwelling places" (cf. Ps. 46:4; 84:1). The PLURAL denotes all the buildings of the temple complex or the PLURAL OF MAJESTY (cf. NIDOTE, vol. 2, p. 1132). 43:4 The psalmist desires to go (BDB 97, KB 112, Qal COHORTATIVE) to the temple and praise (BDB 392, KB 389, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a COHORTATIVE sense) God with his lyre (BDB 490, i.e., a stringed instrument, cf Ps. 33:2). This is one more evidence the psalmist is a Levitical musician. ▣ "God" The designation "God" appears four times in verse 4, but several different forms. Elohim, line 1 and 4 El, line 2 Eloah. line 4 See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, A., C.
Salmos 43:5
43:5 This is the repeated refrain from Ps. 42:5,11. This is what unifies these two psalms.