Psalms 43:1
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁפְטֵ֤נִי
Judge
H8199
שָׁפְטֵ֤נִי
Judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
1 of 11
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀
me O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀
me O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְרִ֘יבָ֤ה
and plead
H7378
וְרִ֘יבָ֤ה
and plead
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
מִגּ֥וֹי
nation
H1471
מִגּ֥וֹי
nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
5 of 11
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
לֹא
against an ungodly
H3808
לֹא
against an ungodly
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָסִ֑יד
H2623
מֵ֤אִישׁ
man
H376
מֵ֤אִישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Psalms 35:1Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.Psalms 26:1Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.Psalms 7:8The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.1 Samuel 24:15The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.Psalms 5:6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.Psalms 35:24Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.Psalms 71:4Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.Psalms 75:7But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.Proverbs 22:23For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.Proverbs 23:11For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
Historical Context
Psalm 43 is closely connected to Psalm 42, possibly originally forming one psalm. The refrain in 42:5, 11 and 43:5 links them thematically. The legal language reflects Israel's understanding of God as righteous judge who vindicates the innocent.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to ask God to 'plead your cause' rather than defending yourself?
- How does viewing God as our advocate in heavenly court transform our approach to injustice?
Analysis & Commentary
The cry 'Judge me, O God' (shaphten) appeals for divine verdict in the psalmist's favor. The 'ungodly nation' and 'deceitful and unjust man' represent opposition that cannot be overcome by human means. The phrase 'plead my cause' uses legal terminology (rivah), portraying God as advocate in the heavenly court.