Psalms 43:4

4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and delight; I will praise you on the lyre, God, my God.

Psalms 43:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 43:4

Then will I go unto the altar of God
Which was in the tabernacle, either of burnt offerings, or of incense, there to offer up the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for mercies received. The altar under the Gospel dispensation is Christ, on which such sacrifices being offered, are acceptable to God, ( Hebrews 13:10 Hebrews 13:15 ) ;

unto God my exceeding joy;
as over the mercy seat, upon a throne of grace, and as his covenant God; or this is exegetical of the altar, which is Christ, God over all, blessed for ever; and who is the object of the unspeakable joy of his people, in his person, righteousness, and salvation;

yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God:
the harp is a musical instrument, used in that part of public worship which concerned the praise of God under the former dispensation, and was typical of that spiritual melody made in the hearts of God's people when they sing his praise, see ( Revelation 5:8 ) ( 14:2 ) .

Psalms 43:4 In-Context

1 Judge me, God, and plead my cause against a faithless nation. Rescue me from those who deceive and from those who are unjust.
2 For you are the God of my strength; why have you thrust me aside? Why must I go about mourning, under pressure by the enemy?
3 Send out your light and your truth; let them be my guide; let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the places where you live.
4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and delight; I will praise you on the lyre, God, my God.
5 My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for being my Savior and God.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.