Psalms 43:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָב֤וֹאָה׀

H935

Then will I go

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִזְבַּ֬ח

H4196

unto the altar

an altar

אֱלֹהָֽי׃

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵל֮

H410

unto God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

שִׂמְחַ֪ת

H8057

my exceeding

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

גִּ֫ילִ֥י

H1524

joy

a revolution (of time, i.e., an age); also joy

וְאוֹדְךָ֥

H3034

will I praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

#10

בְכִנּ֗וֹר

H3658

yea upon the harp

a harp

#11

אֱלֹהָֽי׃

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#12

אֱלֹהָֽי׃

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?