Ver. 1. Judge me, O God] This psalm is, as it were, an epitome or an appendix to the former, and little differing in words or matter. Plead my cause] See Psalms 35:1. Against an ungodly nation] Heb. a nation not mild or merciful; so he calleth Absalom’s complices, who sought and would have sucked his blood. Such are a people of God’s wrath and of his curse. O deliver me, &c.] From Absalom, or Ahithophel, or the whole faction.
Ver. 2. For thou art the God of my strength] As being in covenant with me, both offensive and defensive. In the Lord Jehovah is a Rock of ages, or everlasting strength, Isaiah 26:4, for God of my strength, Psalms 42:9, is my rock. Why go I mourning] See Psalms 42:9.
Ver. 3. O send out thy light] i.e. Thy comforting grace, opposed to that, Psalms 43:2, I go mourning, or in black. And thy truth] i.e. Thy faithfulness, opposed to the deceitful man, Psalms 43:1. The Rabbis interpret light and truth by Christ and Elijah; the Arabic maketh it a prayer for the Jews’ conversion, Lux et veritas piorum comites. Yet them bring me unto thy holy hill] Zion, the place of holy assemblies for God’s service, Iterum commendatur hic dignitas ministerii publici: Vae igitur illis qui caducorum bolorum usum reditaunt sacri ministerii iactura, qui conciones sacras et sacramenta ultro negligunt, &c. And to thy tabernacles] So called, either because it was set up at sundry times in sundry places, while it was transportative; or else because it was parted by veils into several rooms, Hebrews 9:2,3.
Ver. 4. Then will I go unto the altar of God] Not without store of sacrifices. God’s service is now nothing so costly; and should, therefore, be more cheerfully performed. Heathens had their altars, &c., all save the Persians.
Ver. 5. Why art thou bowed down, &c.] See Psalms 42:5,11. Maschil] i.e. Making wise, or giving instruction; for which purpose this psalm was composed by David (as it is most probable), or some other excellent prophet, for the use of the Church, which is haeres crucis, the heir of the cross, as Luther speaketh; and is here instructed how to carry herself under it, and to get benefit by it.