Psalm 43: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 43 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist cries for vindication from God against an ungodly nation and deceitful men (vv. 1-2). He questions why he feels rejected and mourns under enemy oppression. He then expresses a deep desire for divine guidance. He asks God to send out his light and truth to lead him to God's holy hill and tents (vv. 3-4). The psalmist intends to go to the altar of God, where he finds great joy and will praise God with a harp.

Key verse

“Oh, send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy hill, To your tents.”
Psalms 43:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 43:1–2 Cry for Vindication
Psalm 43:3–4 Desire for Divine Guidance
Psalm 43:5 Call to Hope

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the psalmist ask God to do against the 'ungodly nation'?
What does the psalmist express about his state in v2?
In v3, what is meant by asking God to send 'your light and your truth'?
In v4, why does the psalmist refer to God as 'my exceeding joy' when mentioning the altar?
When have you felt a desire to seek God's presence like the psalmist in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 43: Psalm 119, Psalm 42, Psalm 37.

Before next time: read Psalm 44.