Psalm 43
Recall that today’s reading, Psalm 43 continues the lament that began in Psalm 42. In today’s first two verses the psalmist speaks of an ungodly nation, an unjust man, and the oppression of the enemy. Since the psalmist likely lives in the far north of Palestine, one wonders if the enemy, that “ungodly nation” is, in fact, one of the northern or eastern nations that are hostile to Israel. Or does an “unjust man” refer to a single individual? Not an important issue, just wondering…
What is important is that the psalmist wants to be cured of his illness or rid of his enemy so that he can join the entourage that will be going to Jerusalem: Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling! (v. 3) I was thinking of the light and truth by which the psalmist wishes to be led. Truth is straightforward; light might refer to understanding or knowledge or simply to the feeling of God’s presence. We should all be led by God’s light and truth!
One small item from my past – Then I will go to the altar of God… (v. 4a) The psalmist is probably speaking of the temple in Jerusalem, but “to the altar of God” is an item from my Boy Scout days, where there was an “Ad Altare Dei” merit badge for Catholic boys. I dropped out of Boy Scouts before earning any merit badges, but that would have been my first.