Psalm 43:1

Translations

Modern

Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.

Traditional

Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Literal

Judge for me, O God, and plead my cause! From a nation unfaithful, from a man of deceit and injustice, may You deliver me.

Latin

Psalmus David. Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta: ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me.

Original

Hebrew

English

Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.

Notes

Psalms 43:1–4

The psalmist turns to the Lord for rescue from his troubles, for guidance, for restoration, and for vindication.

Psalms 42:1–43:5

These psalms, like Psalms 9 and 10, form a unit with a lament and a bittersweet refrain of hope (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5). Many Hebrew manuscripts combine these two psalms into one.

The historical context is unclear; these psalms might represent God's people in exile, expressing loyalty to God while he punishes them for their ongoing disobedience.

The psalmist longs for the fellowship with God he had in Jerusalem (Psalm 42:4); his memories only deepen his discouragement. As the psalmist cries out to God, he remembers God's love and faithfulness (Psalm 42:8), which leads him to ask for vindication (43:1–4).

Theme notes and profiles

Questions and Doubt

Related verses

Psalm 35:1
Of David. Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.
Psalm 7:8
The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity.
Psalm 26:1
Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
1 Samuel 24:15
May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”
Psalm 35:24
Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God, and do not let them gloat over me.
Psalm 5:6
You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
Psalm 71:4
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.
1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
Micah 7:9
Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness.
Proverbs 23:11
…for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.
Proverbs 22:23
…for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.
1 Corinthians 4:4
My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

Glossary

David Music Numbers, Book of Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Deceit: Often Accompanied by Fraud and Injustice Deceit: Saints: Pray for Deliverance from Those Who Use God: Judge, and his Justice Injustice: General Scriptures Concerning Psalms: Afflictions

Psalm 43:1

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