Bible Study on Tehilliym (Psalms) 43 & 44- Kernodle Senior Center Burlington NC

Tuesday April 8th, 2025

Tehilliym (Psalms) 43

A prayer for deliverance from the deceitful and for guidance by the light and truth of Elohiym.

Introduction:

Tehilliym 43 serves as a continuation of the themes expressed in Tehilliym 42. The psalmist pleads for Yahuah’s justice against his oppressors, expresses his longing to return to Yahuah’s dwelling place, and ultimately encourages himself to hope in Elohiym despite his distress.

Tehilliym 43 (KJV-YS):
Verses 1-2: A Plea for Justice and Deliverance

“1. Judge me, O Elohiym, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 2. For Thou art the Elohiym of my strength: why dost Thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

Insights:The psalmist appeals to Yahuah for justice, asking Him to judge his case against an unrighteous nation and deliver him from deceitful men. The phrase “Judge me” implies a request for divine vindication. Though the psalmist acknowledges Elohiym as his strength, he struggles with the feeling of abandonment, asking why Yahuah seems to have cast him off. The tension between faith and despair is evident here, as he mourns under the oppression of his enemies.

Cross References Verses 1-2:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 35:1 – “Plead my cause, O Yahuah, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 33:22 – “For Yahuah is our judge, Yahuah is our lawgiver, Yahuah is our king; He will save us.”
Luqas (Luke) 18:7-8 – “And shall not Elohiym avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”
Romiyim (Romans) 8:33-34 – “Who shall lay anything to the charge of Elohiym’s elect? It is Elohiym that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Mashiach that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of Elohiym, who also maketh intercession for us.”

Summary: The psalmist appeals to Yahuah for justice and deliverance, expressing both confidence in Elohiym’s power and the sorrow of feeling forsaken. This passage teaches that Yahuah is the ultimate judge and deliverer, even when His justice seems delayed.

Verse 3: Seeking Yahuah’s Guidance

“3. O send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy set-apart hill, and to Thy tabernacles.”

Insights:The psalmist desires Yahuah’s light and truth to guide him. The phrase “set-apart hill” refers to Mount Tsiyon, where Yahuah’s dwelling place was established. The tabernacles symbolize communion with Yahuah, showing that the psalmist’s ultimate desire is not just deliverance from his enemies, but restoration of worship and intimacy with Elohiym. Yahusha is the light of the world and everyone that follows after Him shall not walk in darkness.

Cross References Verse 3:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Mishlei (Proverbs) 4:18 – “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Yochanan (John) 8:12 – “Then spake Yahusha again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Eph’siym (Ephesians) 5:8-9 – “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in Yahuah: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;).”

Summary: The psalmist prays for Yahuah’s light and truth to lead him back to His presence. This passage teaches that divine guidance leads to true worship and fellowship with Elohiym.

Verse 4: Restoring Joy in Worship

“4. Then will I go unto the altar of Elohiym, unto Elohiym my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise Thee, O Elohiym my Elohiym.”

Insights:The psalmist anticipates his return to the altar, where he will worship Elohiym with joy. The phrase “Elohiym my exceeding joy” emphasizes that Yahuah Himself is the ultimate source of our joy and gladness. The act of playing the harp signifies celebratory praise and devotion.

Cross References Verse 4:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 100:2 – “Serve Yahuah with gladness: come before His presence with singing.”
Nechemyah (Nehemiah) 8:10 – “For the joy of Yahuah is your strength.”
Ma’asiym (Acts) 16:25 – “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto Elohiym: and the prisoners heard them.”
Philippiym (Philippians) 4:4 – “Rejoice in Yahuah always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Summary: The psalmist expresses confidence that he will worship Yahuah with joy again. This passage teaches that true joy is found in the presence of Elohiym and that worship renews the soul.

Verse 5: Hope in Elohiym Despite Trials

“5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in Elohiym: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my Elohiym.”

Insights:The psalmist repeats the refrain from Tehilliym 42:5, 11, encouraging himself to trust in Elohiym despite his sorrow. The phrase “health of my countenance” literally refers to restoration and salvation. Even in distress, he declares that praise will come again.

Cross References Verse 5:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 27:14 – “Wait on Yahuah: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on Yahuah.”
Eykah (Lamentations) 3:21–23 – “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of Yahuah’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness”
Romiyim (Romans) 15:13 – “Now the Elohiym of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Ruach Ha’Qodesh.”
2 Qorintiym (Corinthians) 4:16–18 – “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen…”

Summary: The psalmist reminds himself to trust in Yahuah and to look forward to praising Him again. This passage teaches that faith in Elohiym sustains the soul even in times of distress.

Conclusion: Tehilliym 43 continues the themes of longing for Yahuah, seeking justice, and battling despair with faith. The psalmist expresses his desire to return to worship, trusts in Yahuah’s guidance, and encourages himself to hope.

Tehilliym (Psalms) 44

A national lament remembering Yahuah’s past deliverances, acknowledging present defeat, and pleading for redemption.

Introduction:

Tehilliym 44 is a powerful communal psalm attributed to the sons of Qorach (Korah). It reflects a national cry of distress, contrasting the mighty acts of Yahuah in the past with the current suffering and shame of Yashar’el. Although the people claim faithfulness to the covenant, they are overwhelmed by defeat and confusion. The psalm ends with a desperate but hopeful plea for Yahuah to arise and redeem them for the sake of His mercies.

Tehilliym 43 (KJV-YS):
Verses 1–8: Recalling Yahuah’s Past Deliverances

“1. We have heard with our ears, O Elohiym, our fathers have told us, what work Thou didst in their days, in the times of old. 2. How Thou didst drive out the heathen with Thy hand, and plantedst them; how Thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. 3. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but Thy right hand, and Thine arm, and the light of Thy countenance, because Thou hadst a favour unto them. 4. Thou art my King, O Elohiym: command deliverances for Ya’aqov. 5. Through Thee will we push down our enemies: through Thy Name will we tread them under that rise up against us. 6. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. 7. But Thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. 8. In Elohiym we boast all the day long, and praise Thy Name forever. Selah.” ”

Insights: This opening section sets the foundation for the lament that follows by recalling Yahuah’s past faithfulness and affirming present dependence and praise. The psalmist opens with the communal memory of how Yahuah gave victory to the fathers of Yashar’el. The people did not win by their own strength but were planted and preserved by Yahuah’s hand according to the promises that Yahuah had made to Avraham, Yitschaq and Ya’aqov (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) (v.1–3).
In verses 4–8, the psalmist transitions to the present, declaring Yahuah as King and the source of deliverance. Verses 5–6 express military language—not in boasting of weapons or strength, but in confidence that Yahuah’s Name brings victory.
Verse 7 recalls past victories again, and verse 8 concludes with a strong declaration: they boast only in Elohiym and commit to continual praise.

Cross References Verses 1-8:
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 8:17-18 – “And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember Yahuah Elohayka:for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
Yahusha (Joshua) 24:12 – “And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Emoriym; Not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.”
Mishlei (Proverbs) 21:31 – “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of Yahuah.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of Yahuah Elohaynu.”
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 9:23-24 –“Thus saith Yahuah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am Yahuah which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Yahuah”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 33:22 – “For Yahuah is our judge, Yahuah is our lawgiver, Yahuah is our king; He will save us.”
Luqas (Luke) 18:7-8 – “And shall not Elohiym avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”
Romiyim (Romans) 8:33-34 – “Who shall lay anything to the charge of Elohiym’s elect? It is Elohiym that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Mashiach that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of Elohiym, who also maketh intercession for us.”

Summary: In verses 1–8, the psalmist blends historical remembrance with present faith. The people of Yashar’el declare that it was Yahuah who gave them victory—not their own weapons or might. They renewed that same trust in Him then and we should do the same today. Even as they faced their current troubles (which will follow in the next section), their hearts remain fixed in boasting only in Elohiym and praising His Name forever which is exactly what we should do in our walk with Yahuah today.

Verses 9–16: A Cry of Confusion and National Shame

“9. But Thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies. 10. Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves. 11. Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen. 12. Thou sellest Thy people for nought, and dost not increase Thy wealth by their price. 13. Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us. 14. Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people. 15. My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me, 16. For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.”

Insights: This section begins with a stark transition from praise to perplexity and pain. Despite faith in Yahuah, the people feel abandoned and humiliated. Verse 9 opens with an accusation: Yahuah has “cast off” and withdrawn His support in battle. The psalmist portrays Yashar’el as vulnerable prey, scattered, sold cheaply (v.11–12), and made an object of mockery and reproach (v.13–14).
The emotional weight intensifies with shame and confusion in verse 15, and the taunts of the enemy in verse 16 deepen their anguish. There is no mention yet of sin or rebellion—only confusion as to why this suffering has come despite continued covenant faithfulness (a theme expanded in the next section).

Cross References Verses 9-16:
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 28:15 – “But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of Yahuah Elohayka, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.”
Shoftiym (Judges) 2:14–15 – “14. And the anger of Yahuah was hot against Yashar’el, and He delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and He sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of Yahuah was against them for evil, as Yahuah had said, and as Yahuah had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.“
Eykah (Lamentations) 1:1 – “How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!”
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 24:9 – “And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them. ”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 60:1–3 – “. O Elohiym, Thou hast cast us off, Thou hast scattered us, Thou hast been displeased; O turn Thyself to us again. Thou hast made the earth to tremble; Thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. Thou hast shewed Thy people hard things: Thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.”
Chazon (Revelation) 6:9–10 – The souls under the altar cried… “How long, O Yahuah, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood?”
Ya’aqov (James) 1:2–4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Summary: Verses 9–16 reflect the anguish of national defeat, shame before the nations, and inner confusion at Elohiym’s silence. The people feel forsaken and sold cheaply, mocked by the world around them. Yet even amid this distress, they do not turn to other gods or reject the covenant—which sets up the powerful claim of faithfulness in the next section. This passage invites us to honestly wrestle with seasons when Yahuah’s presence feels distant despite our trust in Him.

Verses 17–22: Loyalty Amid Suffering

“17. All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten Thee, neither have we dealt falsely in Thy covenant. 18. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from Thy way; 19. Though Thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. 20. If we have forgotten the Name of our Elohiym, or stretched out our hands to a strange el, 21. Shall not Elohiym search this out? For He knoweth the secrets of the heart. 22. Yea, for Thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Insights: This section is a solemn testimony of faithfulness in the face of affliction. The psalmist insists that Yashar’el’s suffering is not due to rebellion or idolatry. They affirm that their hearts have not turned back, even while experiencing devastation (v.17–19).
The rhetorical question in verse 21 confirms Yahuah’s omniscience—He knows the heart, and if there were guilt, He would expose it. Verse 22 stands as a profound declaration: they are suffering for Yahuah’s sake, not for wrongdoing. This verse is later quoted by Sha’ul (Paul) to describe the experience of the faithful in Mashiach (Romaiym 8:36), showing the enduring relevance of this passage.

Cross References Verses 17-22
Iyob (Job) 2:3 – “Still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst Me against him…”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 139:1–4 – “Thou hast searched me, and known me… Thou understandest my thought afar off.”
Romaiym (Romans) 8:36-37 – “As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long… Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors…”
2 Qorintiym (Corinthians) 4:8–11 – “We are troubled on every side… always bearing about in the body the dying of the Master Yahusha…”
Chazon (Revelation) 12:11 – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb… and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Summary: Despite deep suffering and the appearance of abandonment, the psalmist asserts that Yashar’el remains faithful to the covenant. They acknowledge that Yahuah knows the heart and affirm they suffer not for sin, but for His sake. This section models endurance and devotion, showing how to stand in trials without blaming Yahuah or straying from His way.

Verses 23-26: A Final Plea for Mercy and Redemption

“23. Awake, why sleepest Thou, O Yahuah? Arise, cast us not off forever. 24. Wherefore hidest Thou Thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? 25. For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. 26. Arise for our help, and redeem us for Thy mercies’ sake.”

Insights: The psalm closes with a desperate but trusting plea. The psalmist speaks as if Yahuah were asleep—not to accuse, but to awaken compassion. The tone is emotional and intimate, appealing to Yahuah’s mercy, not human merit.
Verse 26 is the climactic cry: “redeem us for Thy mercies’ sake.” The word for “redeem” (Hebrew: ga’al) implies a kinsman-redeemer, someone with both the right and the responsibility to rescue. The people see Yahuah as their Redeemer and hope rests solely in His covenant mercy (chesed).

Cross References Verses 23–26:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 121:3–4 – “He that keepeth Yashar’el shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 51:9 – “Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of Yahuah…”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 6:3–4 – “Return, O Yahuah… save me for Thy mercies’ sake.”
Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 130:7 – “Let Yashar’el hope in Yahuah: for with Yahuah there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.”

Summary: The psalm ends with an urgent cry for help, asking Yahuah to wake from silence and redeem His people—not because of their works, but because of His enduring mercy. This final appeal emphasizes that even in confusion and affliction, the people still turn to Yahuah as their only hope.

Self-Reflection Questions:
Tehilliym 43: Seeking Yahuah’s Guidance and Justice

1. Crying Out for Yahuah’s Justice (Verses 1-2)

“Judge me, O Elohiym, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.”