Psalms 43:1-5

Judge me, O God, and plead my cause.

The soul’s double appeal

I. An appeal to God.

1. For Divine vindication.

2. For Divine deliverance.

3. For Divine information.

4. For Divine guidance.

II. An appeal to self. He was conscious of--

1. The personality of his soul.

2. The sorrow of his soul.

3. The interests of his son! (Homilist.)

In exile

I. The exile’s prayer.

1. For judgment against the accusations of an ungodly nation. Nothing uncommon for the Christian to be the target of wrong charges.

2. For deliverance from the deceitful and unjust man.

3. For light and truth to lead him back to Zion.

II. The exile’s promise.

1. To go to the altar, i.e. for sacrifice, consecration, worship.

2. To seize the harp for thanksgiving and praise.

Religious services should be gladsome; those in the home as well as those in the sanctuary. Our hearts too often like “muffled drums beating funeral marches,” rather than like well-tuned harps sending forth strains of sweetest harmony and gladdest adoration, etc.

III. The exile’s soliloquy.

1. A question.

2. A response.

“Cast down!”--“Hope.” “Disquieted!”--“Praise.” “Praise Him who is the health,” the beauty, the ruddy glow, the youth, “of thy countenance, and thy God.” (J. O. Keen, D. D.)