Psalm 43

A Prayer for Vindication and Hope

As mentioned in my introductory comments concerning Psalms 42, this psalm may at one time have been the last part of that one. This psalm is the only one in Book 2 (Psalms 42-72) that does not have a heading.        - Thomas Constable

Neither the author nor background of this lyric is known, but the prayer for both rescue and retribution is similar to the previous song and to others in Book 2.  In an hour of distress, the author reminded his soul to put his hope in God. 

Vindication

Vs. 1 - Vindicate me, God, and champion my cause against an unfaithful nation; rescue me from the deceitful and unjust person.

The psalmist was frustrated that he suffered at the hands of an unrighteous enemy and perplexed by God’s delay to help.  While he waited for an answer, he prayed for vindication.  

Hope

Vs. 5 - Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

This is the same exclamation of faith expressed by the sons of Korah in the previous psalm.  The writer spoke truth to his soul.  He made a decision to praise God in the pain, to trust that deliverance and vindication would eventually come. 

Not yet has the answer come. The darkness and the mystery are still about him, but the shining way is seen; and again the soul is forbidden to despair and hope is encouraged in God.         - Morgan