Psalms 43:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Psalm 43 is often considered a continuation of Psalm 42, reflecting the deep spiritual distress and longing of the psalmist who feels alienated from God's presence and His sanctuary. Having previously prayed for God's light and truth to lead him back to the holy hill and tabernacles (Psalm 43:3), this verse marks a profound declaration of faith and resolute intent. Despite his current despair and separation, the psalmist expresses a determined hope to return to the place of worship, anticipating a joyful reunion with God.

Key Themes

  • Anticipation of Worship: The phrase "Then will I go unto the altar of God" signifies the psalmist's unwavering commitment to return to formal worship and communion with the Divine. It's a declaration of faith that God will restore him to His presence.
  • God as the Source of Joy: Calling God "my exceeding joy" reveals a profound intimacy and understanding that true, lasting happiness is found not in circumstances or human comforts, but solely in God Himself. This joy is not merely fleeting happiness but a deep, overflowing gladness derived from a relationship with the Creator. This echoes the sentiment that the joy of the LORD is our strength.
  • Personal Relationship: The repeated "O God my God" emphasizes a deeply personal and possessive relationship with the Almighty. It's an affirmation of faith and trust, even when feeling abandoned.
  • Expressive Praise: The mention of the "harp" highlights the role of musical worship and heartfelt expression in praising God. It underscores the psalmist's desire to offer his best in adoration.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "my exceeding joy" translates a Hebrew expression that conveys a sense of overflowing, jubilant gladness. It's more than just happiness; it's a deep, intense delight. The "altar of God" (mizbeach Elohim) refers to the place of sacrifice and communion in the tabernacle or temple, symbolizing the means of drawing near to God's holy presence.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful encouragement for believers today. Even when facing spiritual dryness, isolation, or profound sorrow, we are called to declare our intention to seek God's presence and find our ultimate joy in Him. It reminds us that:

  • Our circumstances do not define our capacity for joy in God.
  • True worship is a conscious act of faith, drawing us closer to the One who provides comfort and peace.
  • Expressing our praise, whether through song, prayer, or service, is a vital part of our spiritual restoration and relationship with God.
  • Like the psalmist, we can be confident that God will ultimately lead us back to His presence and fill us with His abiding joy.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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