Psalms 43:4

KJV

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then will I go {H935}{H8799)} unto the altar {H4196} of God {H430}, unto God {H410} my exceeding {H8057} joy {H1524}: yea, upon the harp {H3658} will I praise {H3034}{H8686)} thee, O God {H430} my God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.

American Standard Version

Then will I go unto the altar of God, Unto God my exceeding joy; And upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 43:4 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering intent to return to God's presence and worship, even amidst deep spiritual distress and perceived abandonment. It expresses a resolute hope to approach the "altar of God," finding in Him the ultimate source of "exceeding joy," and vowing to offer heartfelt praise with the harp. This verse marks a pivotal shift from lament to confident anticipation, affirming God as the psalmist's personal God and the sole wellspring of true delight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 43 is widely considered a continuation of Psalm 42, forming a single literary unit due to shared themes, structure, and a recurring refrain (cf. [Psalm 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Why are you cast down, O my soul?"), [Psalm 42:11](/psalms/42-11 "Psalm 42:11 - Hope in God!"), [Psalm 43:5](/psalms/43-5 "Psalm 43:5 - Hope in God!")). Both psalms articulate the deep spiritual anguish of a psalmist longing for God's presence and the sanctuary, feeling alienated and oppressed by enemies. While [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - Longing for God") is primarily a lament, [Psalm 43](/psalms/43 "Psalm 43 - Prayer for Deliverance and Restoration") begins with a plea for vindication and guidance (Psalm 43:1-3) and then transitions to a powerful expression of faith and resolve in verse 4. This verse acts as the climactic declaration of hope, anticipating restoration to worship after the preceding cries of despair.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "altar of God" refers to the central place of worship in ancient Israel, either the Tabernacle or, more likely, the Temple in Jerusalem. This was the site of sacrifices, communion with God, and the manifestation of His presence. For the psalmist to be away from this place, as implied by the longing in Psalms 42-43, suggests a situation of exile, banishment, or severe distress that prevents access to the sanctuary. This could be due to foreign invasion, personal affliction, or a period of ritual impurity. The "harp" (כִּנּוֹר, _kinnor_) was a prominent musical instrument used in Temple worship and personal devotion, symbolizing heartfelt praise and adoration. The act of going to the altar and playing the harp signifies a return to formal, communal, and personal worship, a vital aspect of Israelite religious life and a source of spiritual restoration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the Psalms. Firstly, it highlights the **longing for God's presence** and the sanctuary, a recurring motif for those separated from Jerusalem (e.g., [Psalm 84:1-2](/psalms/84-1 "Psalm 84:1-2 - Longing for God's Courts")). Secondly, it underscores God as the **ultimate source of joy and delight**, demonstrating that true happiness is found not in circumstances but in a relationship with the Divine (cf. [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")). Thirdly, the repeated "O God my God" emphasizes a **deeply personal and possessive relationship** with the Almighty, affirming faith and trust even when feeling abandoned. Finally, the mention of the harp points to the theme of **expressive praise and worship** as a vital response to God's goodness and a means of spiritual restoration, a theme echoed throughout the Psalter (e.g., [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise with Instruments")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exceeding Joy (Hebrew, _śimḥat gîlî'_):** This phrase, literally "the joy of my exultation" or "the joy of my jubilation," is a powerful compound expression. `Śimḥâ` (שִׂמְחָה) denotes general joy or gladness, while `gîl` (גִּיל) carries the nuance of exuberant, overflowing, even dancing joy, often associated with a shout or cry of delight. The combination emphasizes a profound, intense, and overflowing gladness that is not merely fleeting happiness but a deep, spiritual delight derived solely from God's presence and relationship. It speaks to a joy that transcends circumstances and is rooted in the very being of God.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbēaḥ'_):** The `mizbēaḥ` (מִזְבַּח) was the place of sacrifice and communion in the Tabernacle or Temple. It was the designated point of access to God's holy presence, where atonement was made and fellowship restored. For the psalmist to declare his intent to go to the altar signifies his desire for reconciliation, purification, and renewed intimacy with God through the established means of worship. It represents a return to the covenant relationship and a place of divine encounter.
* **Harp (Hebrew, _kinnôr'_):** The `kinnôr` (כִּנּוֹר) was a stringed instrument, often translated as "harp" or "lyre," widely used in Israelite worship, both public and private. Its inclusion here signifies the psalmist's intention to offer not just formal worship but also heartfelt, expressive, and musical praise. It points to the active, joyful, and artistic dimension of devotion, where the whole person, including their creative faculties, is engaged in glorifying God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then will I go unto the altar of God,"**: This clause expresses a firm, determined resolve. The "then" (אָבוֹא, _ʾāvôʾ_, "I will come") indicates a future action contingent upon God's leading, as requested in [Psalm 43:3](/psalms/43-3 "Psalm 43:3 - Send out Your light and Your truth"). It signifies a return to the physical place of worship, symbolizing a restoration of spiritual communion and access to God's presence, which the psalmist currently feels deprived of.
* **"unto God my exceeding joy:"**: This is a profound declaration of the psalmist's ultimate source of delight. He is not merely going to a place, but to God Himself, who is identified as the very essence of his "exceeding joy." This reveals a deep, intimate, and personal relationship, where God is not just an object of worship but the wellspring of overflowing gladness, transcending any earthly happiness or circumstantial sorrow.
* **"yea, upon the harp will I praise thee,"**: This clause specifies the manner of praise and reinforces the psalmist's commitment. The "harp" indicates musical, expressive worship, often associated with joyful and heartfelt adoration. It signifies a full, unreserved offering of praise, engaging the psalmist's skill and emotion. The "yea" (וְאוֹדֶךָּ, _wəʾôdekkā_, "and I will praise you") emphasizes the certainty and depth of this commitment to praise.
* **"O God my God."**: This concluding phrase echoes the personal address from [Psalm 42:11](/psalms/42-11 "Psalm 42:11 - Hope in God!") and [Psalm 43:5](/psalms/43-5 "Psalm 43:5 - Hope in God!"). The repetition of "my God" underscores the psalmist's intensely personal and possessive relationship with the Almighty. It is an affirmation of unwavering faith and trust, even in the midst of distress, recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness as his own personal Lord and deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 43:4 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message of hope and devotion. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, particularly a form of synonymous or climactic parallelism. The first half, "Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy," establishes the destination and the ultimate object of desire. The second half, "yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God," reinforces this by detailing the act of worship and reaffirming the personal relationship. The phrase "unto God my exceeding joy" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Appellation**, equating God directly with the source and essence of the psalmist's deepest gladness. The use of "exceeding joy" itself can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the boundless and overwhelming nature of the joy found in God. Finally, the **Repetition** of "O God my God" at the end serves as an emphatic declaration of personal ownership and intimate relationship, a heartfelt cry of devotion and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for hope and faith even in the depths of despair, rooted in the character of God. It teaches that true joy is not contingent on circumstances but is found supremely in God Himself and in the act of drawing near to Him in worship. The psalmist's resolve to return to the altar and praise God with the harp, despite his current suffering, models a faith that actively seeks God's presence as the ultimate source of restoration and delight. It underscores the theological truth that God is not merely a distant deity but a personal, accessible God who is the wellspring of life's deepest satisfactions.

* [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [Psalm 84:1-2](/psalms/84-1 "Psalm 84:1-2 - Longing for God's Courts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 43:4 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of spiritual dryness, isolation, or profound sorrow. It calls us to emulate the psalmist's determined faith, declaring our intention to seek God's presence as the ultimate source of our joy, regardless of our external circumstances. In a world that often equates happiness with material possessions, fleeting pleasures, or perfect conditions, this verse reorients our hearts to the enduring truth that "exceeding joy" is found solely in God. It reminds us that active worship—whether through prayer, song, service, or simply drawing near in quiet contemplation—is not merely a religious duty but a vital pathway to spiritual restoration, comfort, and peace. Like the psalmist, we are invited to cultivate a deeply personal relationship with "God my God," confident that He will ultimately lead us back to His presence and fill us with His abiding joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently feeling distant from God or experiencing spiritual dryness?**
* **How does the psalmist's declaration "unto God my exceeding joy" challenge your own understanding of where true joy comes from?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "go unto the altar of God" and offer Him praise, even when you don't feel like it?**
* **How can you cultivate a more personal and possessive relationship with God, echoing the psalmist's cry, "O God my God"?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the psalmist going to the "altar of God" when he feels distant?**
Answer: The "altar of God" symbolizes the place of sacrifice, atonement, and communion with God in the Tabernacle or Temple. For the psalmist, who feels cast down and separated (as detailed in [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - Longing for God")), declaring his intent to go to the altar is a powerful act of faith. It signifies his unwavering belief that God will restore him to His presence and that the means of drawing near to God (through worship and sacrifice) are still valid and effective, even when he feels alienated. It's a declaration of hope for spiritual restoration and renewed fellowship.

**Why is God called "my exceeding joy" in this verse?**
Answer: The phrase "my exceeding joy" (Hebrew: _śimḥat gîlî_) conveys a profound, overflowing, and jubilant gladness. It emphasizes that God Himself, not His blessings or circumstances, is the ultimate and deepest source of the psalmist's delight. This kind of joy is not superficial or fleeting; it is a spiritual joy rooted in an intimate relationship with the Creator. It suggests that even in distress, the psalmist knows that true, lasting happiness can only be found in God's presence, reflecting a deep theological understanding that God is the supreme good (cf. [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")).

**What does the mention of the "harp" imply about worship?**
Answer: The "harp" (Hebrew: _kinnôr_) was a common musical instrument used in ancient Israelite worship, both public and private. Its inclusion signifies the psalmist's intention to offer heartfelt, expressive, and musical praise to God. It highlights that worship is not just a solemn duty but can be a joyful, artistic, and deeply personal expression of adoration. It underscores the importance of engaging our emotions and creative faculties in praising God, offering our best in response to His goodness and faithfulness (cf. [Psalm 150:3](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3 - Praise with the Lyre and Harp")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 43:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's longing to go "unto the altar of God" for reconciliation and joy foreshadows the perfect and final sacrifice of Christ. No longer do we need to approach a physical altar in Jerusalem; through Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, He became the ultimate "altar" and the "Lamb of God" (cf. [Hebrews 13:10](/hebrews/13-10 "Hebrews 13:10 - We have an altar") and [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He has opened a new and living way for us to draw near to God (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Furthermore, the "exceeding joy" the psalmist anticipates in God is fully realized in Christ. Jesus promised His disciples a joy that no one could take from them, a joy that would be full (cf. [John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Christ's Joy in Believers") and [John 16:24](/john/16-24 "John 16:24 - Ask and Receive, that Your Joy May Be Full")). Our praise, once offered with harps and instruments in the Temple, is now offered spiritually and continually through Christ, "by Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually" (cf. [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")). The personal relationship expressed by "O God my God" is now deepened and secured through our adoption as children of God by faith in Christ, allowing us to cry "Abba, Father" (cf. [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, Christ is the means, the source, and the object of our ultimate joy and worship, bringing us into perfect communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Habakkuk 3:17

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Psalms 66:13

¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

Psalms 66:15

I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

Psalms 57:8

Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early.

Psalms 116:12

What shall I render unto the LORD [for] all his benefits toward me?