Psalms 43:4

4 Then I will go up to the altar of God, to the God of my joy; I will be glad and give praise to you on an instrument of music, 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 Be my judge, O God, supporting my cause against a nation without religion; O keep me from the false and evil man.

2 You are the God of my strength; why have you put me from you? why do I go in sorrow because of the attacks of my haters?

3 O send out your light and your true word; let them be my guide: let them take me to your holy hill, and to your tents.

4 Then I will go up to the altar of God, to the God of my joy; I will be glad and give praise to you on an instrument of music, O God, my God.

5 Why are you crushed down, O my soul? and why are you troubled in me? put your hope in God, for I will again give him praise who is my help and my God.