English Basic Explanation - Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Psalm 43 continues the theme of the previous Psalm – the Jewish people's longing to return to the Bet Ha'mikdash.  Here the Psalmist focuses on the malice and cruelty of Israel's enemies, who mercilessly oppress the Jewish people and bar their return to their homeland.  The Jews turn to the Almighty and ask that He send "Your light and Your truth" (verse 3) to bring them to the Temple.  Rashi explains this verse as a reference to Mashi'ah and the prophet Eliyahu.  Mashi'ah will lead Israel to victory over their foes, and Eliyahu will lead the nation spiritually in preparation for their long-awaited return to Zion (see Malachi 3:23-24).  The Psalmist describes the glee he will experience upon his arrival in the Mikdash, where he will bring offerings upon the altar and sing praise to the Almighty (verse 4).

This chapter concludes by repeating the refrain that appears twice in the previous chapter (42:6,12), in which the Psalmist reminds himself to focus on praying for a brighter future, rather than occupying his mind with nostalgic memories of the past.  If we truly wish to return to our nation's glorious past and restore our unique relationship with the Almighty as experienced in the Bet Ha'mikdash, then we must sincerely pray for its rebuilding, and not merely reminisce about it as if it were a bygone era that we will never relive.