Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise you, O God my God.
Read Chapter 43
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
"Then will I go in unto the Altar of God" (ver. 4). For there is a certain invisible Altar on high, which the unrighteous man approaches not. To that Altar he alone draws nigh, who draws nigh to this one without cause to fear. There he shall find his Life, who in this one "separates his cause." "And I will go in unto the Altar of God." From His holy Hill, and from His Tabernacle, from His Holy Church, I will go in unto the Altar of God on High. What manner of Sacrifice is there? He himself who goeth in is taken for a burnt-offering. "I will go in unto the Altar of God." What is the meaning of what he says, "The Altar of my God"?
"Unto God, who makes glad my youth." Youth signifies newness: just as if he said, "Unto God, who makes glad my newness." It is He who makes glad my newness, who hath filled my old estate with mourning. For now "I go mourning" in oldness, then shall "I stand," exulting in newness!
"Yea, upon the harp will I praise Thee, O God my God." What is the meaning o...
Youth. St. Jerome, "the God of my joy and exultation. "(Haydock)
Syriac and Arabic agree with us, and Gil means, (Calmet) a young man, in Arabic and Hebrew. (Hammond)
People in youth, show for the effects of joy. (Berthier)
Accompanied with light, and a pure intention, we may offer sacrifice to God, who changeth our corruptions into newness of life. (Worthington)
The Levites might sing near the altar, but could not offer victims. (Calmet)
