Psalms 43:4

“Then will I go unto the altar of God, etc.] 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, (<581310>Hebrews 13:10,15); 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…”

“the altar--as the chief place of worship. The mention of the harp suggests the prominence of praise in his offering. Next: Psalms Chapter 44”

“Then will I go unto the altar of God - The altar on Mount Zion, where sacrifices were offered: 2 Samuel 6:17. The meaning is, that he would again unite with others in the public and customary worship of God. Compare the notes at Psalms 42:4. Unto God - Into the immediate presence of God; the place where he was worshipped. My exceeding joy - Margin, the gladness of my joy. The Septuagint renders this, “who makes my youth joyous:” or, “the joy of my youth,” (Thompson) The Hebrew is, the gladness of my joy; meaning, that God was the source of his joy, so that he found all his happiness in Him. Yea, upon the harp will I praise thee - Compare the notes at Psalms 33:2-3. Instruments of music were…”

“Then: Psa 66:13-15, Psa 116:12-19 my exceeding joy: Heb. the gladness of my joy, Psa 71:23; Isa 61:10; Hab 3:17, Hab 3:18; Rom 5:11 upon: Psa 57:8, Psa 71:22, Psa 81:2; Sa2 6:5; Rev 5:8 O God: Psa 42:6 Psalms 43:5”

“The poet, in anticipation, revels in the thought of that which he has prayed for, and calls upon his timorous soul to hope confidently for it. The cohortatives in Psa 43:4 are, as in Ps 39:14 and frequently, an apodosis to the petition. The poet knows no joy like that which proceeds from God, and the joy which proceeds from Him he accounts as the very highest; hence he calls God אל שׂמחת גּילי, and therefore he knows no higher aim for his longing than again to be where the fountainhead of this exultant joy is ( Hos 9:5), and where it flows forth in streams ( Psa 36:9). Removed back thither, he will give thanks to Him with the cithern (Beth instrum.). He calls Him אלהים אלהי, an expression…”