Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, and to the place where You dwell. Send forth Your lightThis phrase calls upon God to illuminate the path of the believer. The Hebrew word for "light" is "אוֹר" (or), which often symbolizes divine truth, guidance, and purity. In the context of the Psalms, light represents God's presence and His ability to dispel darkness, both literal and metaphorical. Historically, light has been a powerful symbol in the ancient Near East, often associated with life and divine favor. The psalmist's plea for God's light reflects a deep yearning for clarity and direction amidst confusion or distress. and Your truth
The Hebrew word for "truth" is "אֱמֶת" (emet), which conveys a sense of reliability, faithfulness, and constancy. In the biblical context, truth is not merely factual accuracy but encompasses God's faithfulness to His promises and His unchanging nature. The psalmist seeks not just intellectual understanding but a profound, experiential knowledge of God's steadfastness. This request underscores the belief that God's truth is a guiding force that can lead one through life's uncertainties. let them lead me
Here, the psalmist desires to be guided by God's light and truth. The Hebrew verb "נָחָה" (nahah) means to lead or guide, often used in the context of shepherding. This imagery evokes the pastoral care of God, who leads His people like a shepherd leads his flock. The psalmist's request is for divine guidance that is both protective and purposeful, ensuring that he remains on the path of righteousness. let them bring me
The continuation of the plea for guidance emphasizes the destination to which the psalmist wishes to be brought. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) means to come or bring, suggesting a movement towards a specific goal or place. This reflects the psalmist's desire for a journey that is not aimless but directed by God's providence, leading to a place of spiritual fulfillment and communion with God. to Your holy mountain
The "holy mountain" refers to Mount Zion, the site of the temple in Jerusalem, which is considered the dwelling place of God. In the Hebrew Bible, mountains often symbolize places of divine revelation and encounter. The psalmist's longing to be brought to God's holy mountain signifies a deep desire for worship, fellowship, and the presence of God. It reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of the temple as the center of religious life and divine presence. to the place where You dwell
This phrase underscores the ultimate goal of the psalmist's journey: to be in the presence of God. The Hebrew word for "dwell" is "שָׁכַן" (shakan), which conveys the idea of settling or abiding. It is related to the term "Shekinah," which denotes the manifest presence of God. The psalmist's yearning to reach the place where God dwells highlights the centrality of divine presence in the life of the believer, offering a sense of peace, security, and communion with the Creator. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PsalmistThe author of Psalm 43, traditionally attributed to David, is seeking God's guidance and presence. 2. GodThe divine being whom the Psalmist is addressing, asking for light and truth. 3. Holy MountainSymbolic of God's presence, often associated with Mount Zion or the temple in Jerusalem. 4. Place Where You DwellRefers to the temple or the presence of God, a place of worship and communion with God. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceThe Psalmist's plea for God's light and truth highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our lives. We should regularly pray for God's direction in our decisions and paths. God's Presence as Our GoalThe desire to be led to God's holy mountain and dwelling place underscores the ultimate goal of being in God's presence. Our spiritual journey should focus on drawing closer to God. Light and Truth in ChristIn the New Testament, Jesus embodies the light and truth. As Christians, we find our guidance and truth in following Christ's teachings and example. The Role of ScriptureGod's light and truth are revealed through His Word. Regular study and meditation on Scripture are essential for understanding God's will and direction. Community WorshipThe reference to God's dwelling place reminds us of the importance of communal worship and fellowship with other believers as we seek God's presence together. Bible Study Questions 1. How can you actively seek God's light and truth in your daily life, and what practices can help you stay aligned with His guidance? 2. In what ways does the concept of God's "holy mountain" inspire you to pursue a deeper relationship with Him? 3. How does understanding Jesus as the light and truth influence your approach to challenges and decisions? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt led by God's light and truth. How did that experience impact your faith journey? 5. How can you incorporate communal worship and fellowship into your routine to enhance your spiritual growth and connection to God's presence? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 27:1This verse also speaks of the Lord as light and salvation, emphasizing the protective and guiding nature of God's presence. John 8:12Jesus refers to Himself as the "light of the world," connecting the concept of divine light to Christ. John 14:6Jesus describes Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life," linking the truth mentioned in Psalm 43:3 to the person of Christ. Exodus 15:13God's guidance of Israel through the wilderness is an example of His light and truth leading His people. Isaiah 2:3The prophecy of nations streaming to the mountain of the Lord, seeking His ways and truth. People Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bring, Dwell, Dwelling, Dwelling-places, Forth, Guide, Habitations, Hill, Holy, Lead, Mount, Mountain, O, Oh, Places, Tabernacles, Tents, TruthDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 43:3 1150 God, truth of
1461 truth, nature of
8128 guidance, receiving
8351 teachableness
8419 enlightenment Psalm 43:1-4 8665 praise, reasons Psalm 43:1-5 5831 depression Psalm 43:3-4 5830 delight
8150 revival, personal Library The Psalmist's Remonstrance with his Soul
'Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, the health of my countenance, and my God.'--PSALM xliii. 5. This verse, which closes this psalm, occurs twice in the previous one. It is a kind of refrain. Obviously this little psalm, of which my text is a part, was originally united with the preceding one. That the two made one is clear to anybody that will read them, by reason of structure, and tone, and similarity of the singer's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureConflict.
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."--Psalm 43:5. "Schoene Sonne, kommt du endlich wieder?" [30]Lange transl., Jane Borthwick Sun of comfort, art thou fled for ever? Light of joy, wilt thou return at last? Shall I sing again the song of morning, When the watches of the night are past? Ah! delay not, long-expected dawning! Scatter the thick clouds and mist away, Which …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther The Ark of God
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. xliii. 3 Peace! O restless heart of mine; Thou, the Still, the Blest, Lead me to Thy courts divine, Thine untroubled rest. Tossed upon the raving sea, Still, fair land, I long for thee. Lord, from Thee I went astray, Lured by magic song; Through dim places far away I have wandered long-- Now, when lost are moon and star, Shines the light of Home afar. O'er the waves that cannot rest, O'er the drifting foam, Wandering dove without a nest; Weary-winged, I come. From the lonely …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Promises.
GOD hath strewed all the way from the gate of hell where thou wast, coming sinner, to the gate of heaven whither thou art going, with flowers out of his own garden. Behold how the promises, invitations, calls, and encouragements, like lilies, lie about thee. Take heed thou dost not tread them under foot. You say you believe the Scriptures to be the word of God. I say, Wert thou ever quickened from a dead state by the power of the Spirit of Christ through the covenant of promise? I tell thee from …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers. …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 43:3 NIVPsalm 43:3 NLTPsalm 43:3 ESVPsalm 43:3 NASBPsalm 43:3 KJV
Psalm 43:3 Commentaries
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