JFB : Psalms 43

      @Ps 43:1-5. Excepting the recurrence of the refrain, there is no good reason to suppose this a part of the preceding, though the scope is the same. It has always been placed separate.

      1. Judge--or, "vindicate" (@Ps 10:18).
      plead, &c.--(@Ps 35:1).
      ungodly--neither in character or condition objects of God's favor (compare @Ps 4:3).

      2. God of my strength--by covenant relation my stronghold (@Ps 18:1).
      cast me off--in scorn.
      because--or, "in," that is, in such circumstances of oppression.

      3. light--as in @Ps 27:1.
      truth--or, "faithfulness" (@Ps 25:5), manifest it by fulfilling promises. Light and truth are personified as messengers who will bring him to the privileged place of worship.
      tabernacles--plural, in allusion to the various courts.

      4. the altar--as the chief place of worship. The mention of the harp suggests the prominence of praise in his offering.