Psalms 43:2

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתָּ֤ה׀

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

For thou art the God

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

H4581

of my strength

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

לָמָ֪ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

זְנַ֫חְתָּ֥נִי

H2186

why dost thou cast me off

reject, forsake, fail

לָֽמָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

קֹדֵ֥ר

H6937

I mourning

to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)

אֶתְהַלֵּ֗ךְ

H1980

why go

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

בְּלַ֣חַץ

H3906

because of the oppression

distress

#11

אוֹיֵֽב׃

H341

of the enemy

hating; an adversary

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?