A Literary and Exegetical Study of Psalm 42 & 43, Conclusion

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In verses 8-11, the psalmist continues with a litany of laments: my enemies oppress me (vs. 9), my bones suffer mortal agony (vs.10), my foes taunt me (vs. 10b), and my soul is disturbed and downcast (vs. 11). Despite this language, the psalmist still proclaims confidence in his God. He refers to the LORD as the one who directs his love (vs. 8a), the one whose song is always with him (vs. 8b), and finally, the One who is his rock (vs. 9). This latter metaphor speaks to the firmness and faithfulness of the monotheistic God of the Hebrews (Deut. 6:4). This section serves as an encouragement to persevere in the faith. As Calvin adequately notes:

By this example, therefore, we are admonished, that although Satan, by his assaults, often subjects us to a renewal of the same trouble, we ought not to lose our courage, or allow ourselves to be cast down.[1]

The final stanza encompasses chapter 43. The setting of this final section establishes a judicial context. The psalmist prays that God would vindicate him. In the same manner Job argues his ways before God (Job 13:15), the psalmist pleads that God would declare him “not guilty” and rescue him from deceitful and wicked men (vs.1). The author is confident that the great Judge will judge righteously.

Verse two is another view into the heart of the psalmist. His heart is confident that God is the one who strengthens. God is the stronghold of the writer. He is a shield against the evil one and his enemies will not touch him unless God so permits.

God defends the righteous, but the righteous must live by the proper standard. The standard given in this psalm is the word of God. The same standard which is a lamp unto the feet and a light unto the path (Psalm 119:105) is the standard of the psalmist. The light of special revelation is what reminds the psalmist that his heart belongs in the congregation of the assembly (vs.3). Biblical revelation leads God’s elect people to worship and adoration. The holy mountain used in verse three is to be contrasted with the turbulent waters of chaos (42:7).[2] God is the stronghold and He abides in the Holy Mountain. The psalmist longs for such re-union. The music of the temple (vs. 4) rings in his ears. The fact that the psalmist longs for the joyful and triumphant celebration of the people of Israel reflects a committed life. His catechetical instruction nurtured him in godliness and perseverance. To the psalmist, God is not an abstract being. He calls on God, his God (vs.4) to rescue him. There is a strong covenant bond and relationship expressed in the text. The familiar refrain (vs. 5) echoes the ambivalent nature of this song. His heart is downcast presently, but his hope is in God eternally.

Conclusion

The Psalms is the heart of Biblical Christianity. In the psalms God is honored in all circumstances. Both the sorrow of the psalmist and his unending hope, describes a life of faith; a life to be followed. Further, the psalm teaches God’s people that the corporate worship of the Savior is the everlasting desire of the nations. May wicked and deceitful men repent and join the congregation of the righteous.

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[1] Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003), 143.

[2] Pratt 848.