Psalms 43:2

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

For thou art the God {H430} of my strength {H4581}: why dost thou cast me off {H2186}{H8804)}? why go {H1980}{H8691)} I mourning {H6937}{H8802)} because of the oppression {H3906} of the enemy {H341}{H8802)}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For you are the God of my strength; why have you thrust me aside? Why must I go about mourning, under pressure by the enemy?

Berean Standard Bible

For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?

American Standard Version

For thou art the God of my strength; why hast thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 43:2 is a profound lament from a soul wrestling with perceived divine abandonment and intense external oppression. It juxtaposes a foundational declaration of God as the ultimate source of strength with raw, honest questions about His apparent withdrawal and the enduring sorrow caused by adversaries. This verse encapsulates the paradox of faith: holding fast to theological truth while navigating the painful realities of suffering and the spiritual struggle against the enemy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 43 is widely considered a direct continuation of [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - The Soul's Thirst for God"), sharing its deep longing for God, the experience of being cast down, and the recurring refrain found in [Psalm 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Hope in God") and [Psalm 42:11](/psalms/42-11 "Psalm 42:11 - Why are you cast down, O my soul?"). The absence of a superscription for Psalm 43, coupled with the thematic and structural parallels, strongly suggests they were originally a single composition, perhaps divided for liturgical purposes. As a lament psalm, it fits within a significant genre of the Psalter, characterized by direct address to God, expressions of distress, petitions for deliverance, and often, a concluding vow of praise or statement of trust, as seen in [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - A Psalm of Suffering and Triumph").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical setting is not explicitly stated, the language points to the Psalmist, likely one of the "sons of Korah" (as indicated by the superscription of Psalm 42), being in exile or separated from the temple in Jerusalem. The "oppression of the enemy" could refer to literal foreign adversaries, internal foes, or even spiritual forces, causing profound grief and a sense of alienation from God's presence, particularly as experienced in the sanctuary. The act of "mourning" (קֹדֵר, _qoder_) often involved outward expressions of grief, such as wearing dark clothing or ashes, symbolizing deep sorrow and humiliation in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The longing for God's "light and truth" ([Psalm 43:3](/psalms/43-3 "Psalm 43:3 - Send out your light and your truth")) further underscores the Psalmist's desire for restoration to the holy place and divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Strength**, even when God's actions are incomprehensible to the suffering believer. The declaration "For thou art the God of my strength" (אֱלֹהֵי מָעוּזִּי, _Elohei ma'uzzi_) anchors the lament in a foundational truth about God's character as the ultimate source of power and refuge, a theme echoed in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God our refuge and strength"). Secondly, it exemplifies the **Honesty and Boldness of Lament**, demonstrating that authentic faith allows for direct, even challenging, questioning of God in times of distress. This raw expression of doubt and pain is a legitimate form of prayer, not a sign of unbelief, as seen in the cries of Job or Jeremiah. Finally, the verse addresses the pervasive theme of **Suffering and Oppression**, acknowledging the reality of external pressures and adversaries that lead to deep internal sorrow and a feeling of abandonment. The experience of "mourning because of the oppression of the enemy" resonates with countless believers throughout history who have faced persecution or adversity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ma'uzzi'_):** From the root עוז (_'oz_), meaning "strength, might, refuge, fortress." Here, it is in the construct state with the first-person singular possessive suffix, "my strength/refuge." It emphasizes God's role as the Psalmist's personal, impregnable source of power and protection, a bulwark against all adversaries. This is not merely a general attribute of God but a deeply personal confession of reliance.
* **Cast me off (Hebrew, _tiznacheni'_):** From the verb זָנַח (_zanach_), meaning "to reject, cast off, abandon, forsake." This verb conveys a strong sense of being pushed away or treated with disdain. The Psalmist feels not just distant from God, but actively rejected or dismissed, indicating a profound spiritual and emotional crisis. This is a direct accusation, born of deep pain.
* **Mourning (Hebrew, _qoder'_):** From the root קָדַר (_qadar_), meaning "to be dark, to mourn, to be gloomy." It describes a state of deep sorrow, often accompanied by outward signs such as wearing dark clothes, having a downcast countenance, or walking in gloom. It signifies not merely sadness, but a heavy, oppressive grief that pervades one's entire being and daily existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou art the God of my strength":** This opening declaration serves as a foundational theological anchor, a confession of faith that precedes and frames the subsequent lament. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the Psalmist affirms God's unchanging character as his personal source of power, refuge, and defense. It is a statement of unwavering truth held onto amidst a sea of doubt and despair.
* **"why dost thou cast me off?":** This is the first of two rhetorical questions, expressing profound bewilderment and pain. The Psalmist perceives God's absence or inaction as an active rejection, a feeling of being forsaken. This "why" is not an accusation of God's character but a desperate plea for understanding and intervention from one who feels abandoned by their only hope.
* **"why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?":** This second "why" question links the Psalmist's internal state of deep sorrow ("mourning") directly to external circumstances ("the oppression of the enemy"). The grief is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of hostile forces. It highlights the tangible impact of suffering and the felt absence of divine protection against adversaries, whether human, spiritual, or circumstantial.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 43:2 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, with the repeated "why dost thou...?" serving not as a demand for information but as an intense expression of confusion, pain, and desperate longing for divine intervention. This device allows the Psalmist to voice deep emotional distress while still addressing God directly. **Juxtaposition** is also evident, as the Psalmist places the declaration of God as "the God of my strength" directly alongside the feeling of being "cast off." This creates a striking contrast that underscores the paradox of faith in suffering, where theological truth clashes with lived experience. Finally, **Metonymy** is present in "mourning," which stands not just for the act of grieving but for the entire state of profound sorrow and despondency caused by external pressures. The "oppression of the enemy" itself is a form of **Hyperbole**, possibly emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the adversity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 43:2 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of lament and the paradox of faith. It teaches that genuine faith does not preclude honest questioning or the raw expression of pain and perceived abandonment. Rather, it is precisely within the framework of declaring God as "the God of my strength" that the believer finds the courage to voice their deepest "why" questions. This verse affirms that God is big enough to handle our doubts, our sorrow, and our accusations, inviting us into a relationship where vulnerability is met with divine presence, even when that presence feels hidden. It connects to the broader biblical theme of divine hiddenness and the suffering of the righteous, assuring believers that their experience is not unique and that God hears the cries of His people, even when His response is not immediately apparent.

* [Psalm 77:7-9](/psalms/77-7 "Psalm 77:7-9 - Has God forgotten to be gracious?")
* [Job 23:3](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3 - Oh, that I knew where I might find him!")
* [Lamentations 3:1-18](/lamentations/3-1 "Lamentations 3:1-18 - The prophet's deep affliction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 43:2 offers a powerful model for navigating the inevitable seasons of doubt, sorrow, and perceived abandonment that are part of the human, and often Christian, experience. It grants us permission to bring our rawest emotions and most challenging questions directly to God, without fear of judgment. In a world that often pressures us to present a facade of unwavering strength, this verse reminds us that true spiritual resilience is found not in denying our pain, but in anchoring our lament in the unchanging character of God. Even when our feelings scream abandonment, we can, like the Psalmist, declare Him to be "the God of my strength." This practice transforms our lament from a spiral of despair into a prayer of trust, allowing us to process our grief and oppression within the secure embrace of His sovereignty, knowing that He sees our tears and hears our cries, even when His answers are not immediately clear. It challenges us to hold onto truth even when our feelings contradict it, fostering a deeper, more authentic relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "cast off" or overwhelmed by "the oppression of the enemy"?**
* **How does the Psalmist's declaration "For thou art the God of my strength" challenge or comfort you in your current struggles?**
* **What "why" questions are you holding back from God, and how might this verse encourage you to voice them honestly in prayer?**
* **How can you anchor your present feelings of sorrow or doubt in the unchanging truth of God's character?**

### FAQ
**Is it wrong to question God, as the Psalmist does in this verse?**

Answer: No, it is not wrong to question God. The Psalms, particularly the laments, provide ample biblical precedent for believers to express their deepest doubts, frustrations, and "why" questions directly to God. The Psalmist's questions in [Psalm 43:2](/psalms/43-2 "Psalm 43:2 - Why dost thou cast me off?") are not born of unbelief but of intense pain and a desperate longing for God's intervention. They are an honest outpouring of a heart that knows God's character ("the God of my strength") yet struggles with His perceived absence or inaction. This kind of questioning, when rooted in a desire for God's presence and understanding, is a legitimate and often necessary part of a maturing faith. It demonstrates a profound trust that God is mighty enough to handle our raw emotions and that He cares deeply about our suffering. Many biblical figures, including Job ([Job 7:17-21](/job/7-17 "Job 7:17-21 - Job's lament and questions to God")) and even Jesus on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' cry of dereliction")), voiced similar laments, showing that such honest cries are part of a real and dynamic relationship with the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 43:2, with its raw lament and declaration of God as "the God of my strength" amidst perceived abandonment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Mourner, who experienced the deepest possible "oppression of the enemy"—not merely human adversaries, but the spiritual forces of darkness and the crushing weight of sin itself. On the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' cry of dereliction")), echoing the very language of lament psalms and embodying the feeling of being "cast off" by God, though He was perfectly righteous. This cry was not a moment of unbelief, but the ultimate act of solidarity with suffering humanity, as the Son bore the Father's wrath for our sake. Yet, even in this profound desolation, Jesus remained anchored in the truth of God as His strength, ultimately entrusting His spirit to the Father ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' last words")). His suffering validates every human cry of "why," demonstrating that God Himself has entered into and conquered the depths of human pain and abandonment. Through Christ's ultimate lament and subsequent resurrection, believers are assured that their own cries are heard and that the God of strength will ultimately bring deliverance from all oppression, transforming mourning into joy ([John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - Your sorrow will turn into joy")) and ensuring that no one who trusts in Him will ever truly be "cast off" ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from God's love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 42:9

I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Psalms 28:7

The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 44:9

¶ But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

Psalms 94:14

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Zechariah 10:12

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.