Why have You rejected me?
The psalmist expresses a feeling of divine abandonment, a sentiment that resonates with the human experience of spiritual desolation. This question reflects the tension between faith and doubt, a common theme in the Psalms. Historically, this could relate to periods of national crisis for Israel, such as the Babylonian exile, when the people felt forsaken by God. This cry of rejection is also prophetic, foreshadowing Christ's own words on the cross, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), highlighting the depth of His suffering and identification with human anguish.

Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?
The psalmist laments the ongoing distress caused by adversaries, a situation familiar to the Israelites who faced numerous enemies throughout their history. The "enemy's oppression" could refer to external threats from surrounding nations or internal strife within Israel. This phrase captures the reality of living in a fallen world where God's people often face persecution. It also points to the spiritual battle against sin and evil, with the ultimate victory found in Christ, who triumphed over all enemies through His death and resurrection. The imagery of walking in sorrow suggests a journey or pilgrimage, reminding believers of their transient state on earth and the hope of eternal joy in God's presence.

David opens with confidence, anchoring his emotions in the character of God.

• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) echoes the same assurance.

• Like the “strong tower” of Proverbs 18:10, the Lord provides real, protective shelter, not a mere idea.

• Deuteronomy 33:27 calls Him the “eternal God” whose arms are “everlasting,” underscoring that refuge is constant even when feelings fluctuate.

By leading with God’s unchanging nature, the psalmist reminds us that faith looks first to who God is before wrestling with what He allows.

The mood shifts from declaration to distress.

• This honest question mirrors Psalm 22:1—“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”—showing that even the faithful sometimes feel abandoned.

• Jeremiah voices a similar cry in Lamentations 5:22, yet Scripture never records God rebuking such laments; instead, He invites them.

• Romans 8:35-39 affirms that no actual rejection occurs for those in Christ; perceived distance is not the same as divine desertion.

By bringing the question straight to God, David models a faith that dares to process pain in God’s presence rather than away from it.

Now David connects inner anguish to outward pressure.

• Psalm 42:9 repeats the phrase “Why must I walk about in sorrow,” linking the two psalms as one flowing lament.

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 describes believers “hard pressed on every side, but not crushed,” affirming that oppression is real yet not ultimate.

• 1 Peter 5:8 portrays the enemy as a roaring lion, explaining why sorrow can feel relentless.

Practical takeaways:

– Expect opposition; living righteously provokes it (2 Timothy 3:12).

– Keep moving; “walk” implies forward motion even while burdened.

– Let sorrow drive you back to the refuge named in the first line.

Psalm 43:2 swings between certainty and struggle. The psalmist first anchors in God’s proven refuge, then voices raw questions about perceived rejection and relentless oppression. Scripture elsewhere confirms that the refuge is real, the rejection is only felt, and the oppression is temporary. By following this pattern—declare God’s character, lay out your complaint, and keep walking by faith—we learn how to turn every wave of sorrow into a fresh impetus to run back under the sheltering wings of the Lord.