Psalms 147:7
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 147:7
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Hebrew word for "sing" here isn't just a simple song; it implies an "answering" or "responsive" song. This suggests praise given back to God, perhaps in a call-and-response style, acknowledging His actions with our grateful voices and instruments.
This psalm is in a section that calls for all creation to praise God, specifically highlighting His power in nature and His tender care for His creatures. The previous verses have described God's restorative work, gathering exiles and healing broken hearts, and now the focus shifts to actively responding to this goodness with joyful music. This verse marks the beginning of a new exhortation to praise, setting the stage for the reasons that follow, like His provision of rain and food for all living things.
Ever notice how praise isn't just passive? The Bible uses a special word for how we should respond to God. It’s more than just singing; it’s an active engagement.
The Hebrew word translated as 'sing' here, 'anah', carries a rich meaning. It literally means 'to answer' or 'to respond'. This suggests that our praise isn't a one-way street. It's our answer back to God for His goodness. It implies a dialogue, a responsive relationship where we acknowledge what He has done and respond with our voices, our instruments, and our hearts. It’s about actively giving back to God what He has put in us – a song of gratitude.
We often think of praise as just singing. But God’s Word tells us to bring instruments too! What does that tell us about the fullness of our worship?
The psalmist doesn't just say 'sing'; he adds, 'make melody to our God on the lyre!' The lyre, or harp, was a significant instrument in ancient worship. It wasn't just background music; it was an integral part of offering praise. This teaches us that our worship can and should involve the full spectrum of our abilities and the resources God has given us. Whether it's through music, art, writing, or any other creative expression, these 'instruments' become vessels for our thanksgiving, amplifying our voices and adding depth to our devotion.
Understand the original words
todah · Hebrew Noun
An expression of gratitude, often accompanied by praise, acknowledging God’s character and His gracious acts toward His people. In worship, it is a response to divine favor and covenantal faithfulness.
Elohim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The object of worship, sovereign over the cosmos and history; the title implies authority, majesty, and the covenant relationship He maintains with His people as their creator and sustainer.
This passage also calls for joyful singing and instrumental music to the Lord, emphasizing the response of creation to God's salvation and justice.
Psalm 104:13-14It highlights God's provision of rain and sustenance for the earth, echoing the theme of God's care for creation mentioned in Psalm 147:7-9.
Psalm 150:3-5This psalm is a grand call to praise God with various instruments, directly supporting the idea of using musical instruments like the harp in worship.
1 Chronicles 16:41This verse directly links the singing of thanksgiving to God with appointed musicians and instruments, showing a historical practice that aligns with Psalm 147.
ellicottPsalms 147:7: "Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:"
(7) Sing. —Literally, answer, which some think suggests an antiphonal arrangement. Though the strophic arrangement is only loosely marked, the psalm takes a new departure here, with a fresh invocation to praise, going on to fresh proofs from nature of the Almighty Power.
bensonPsalms 147:7: "Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:"
Psalm 147:7-9 . Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving — Hebrew, ענו ליהוה בתודה , literally, answer to the Lord in praise. “Sing alternately,” which may fairly be supposed to be the sense intended by the psalmist, as it was the ancient practice to sing alternately. Celebrate in this way, with your thankful songs, the infinite power, wisdom, and goodness of God. Sing praise upon the harp — Let instrument…
The Hebrew word for "sing" here isn't just a simple song; it implies an "answering" or "responsive" song. This suggests praise given back to God, perhaps in a call-and-response style, acknowledging His actions with our grateful voices and instruments.
This psalm is in a section that calls for all creation to praise God, specifically highlighting His power in nature and His tender care for His creatures. The previous verses have described God's restorative work, gathering exiles and healing broken hearts, and now the focus shifts to actively responding to this goodness with joyful music. This verse marks the beginning of a new exhortation to praise, setting the stage for the reasons that follow, like His provision of rain and food for all living things.
This psalm is in a section that calls for all creation to praise God, specifically highlighting His power in nature and His tender care for His creatures. The previous verses have described God's restorative work, gathering exiles and healing broken hearts, and now the focus shifts to actively responding to this goodness with joyful music. This verse marks the beginning of a new exhortation to praise, setting the stage for the reasons that follow, like His provision of rain and food for all living things.
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"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!" — The Hebrew word for "sing" here isn't just a simple song; it implies an "answering" or "responsive" song. This suggests praise given back to God, perhaps in a call-and-response style, acknowledging H…