Psalms 43:2
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?
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
For thou art the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
For thou art the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 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
מָֽעוּזִּי֮
of my strength
H4581
מָֽעוּזִּי֮
of my strength
Strong's:
H4581
Word #:
4 of 11
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
לָמָ֪ה
H4100
לָמָ֪ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
לָֽמָּה
H4100
לָֽמָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
קֹדֵ֥ר
I mourning
H6937
קֹדֵ֥ר
I mourning
Strong's:
H6937
Word #:
8 of 11
to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)
אֶתְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
why go
H1980
אֶתְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
why go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 42:9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?Psalms 28:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Isaiah 45:24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.Psalms 94:14For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.Psalms 140:7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.Zechariah 10:12And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.Psalms 71:9Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.Psalms 44:9But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.
Historical Context
This pattern of affirming God's character while questioning His actions models mature faith that holds confession and complaint together. It rejects both denial of suffering and denial of faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we simultaneously affirm 'Thou art the God of my strength' while feeling 'cast off'?
- What does persistent questioning in prayer reveal about the nature of faith?
Analysis & Commentary
The paradox intensifies: 'Thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off?' Faith affirms God's power while honestly acknowledging felt abandonment. 'Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?' repeats the question from 42:9, emphasizing that faith persists even when answers don't come.