Psalms 43:4

4 There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O 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 Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars.

2 For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?

3 Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.

4 There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!

5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!