Psalms 98:5
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The repetition of "with the lyre" isn't just about emphasis on instruments; it highlights that even the same instrument can bring different kinds of praise, suggesting a rich variety in how we can offer our worship to God. This means our expressions of devotion shouldn't be monotonous but can and should be diverse and dynamic.
This psalm is a powerful call to celebrate God's victorious might, especially after His mighty acts of deliverance, like leading Israel out of Egypt. It’s a rejoicing that should echo not just through Israel but across the entire earth, for God's justice and salvation are for all nations. Following the exhilarating command to make a joyful noise, verse 5 urges the use of instruments like the lyre, combined with singing, to make the praise as full and resonant as possible.
God's praise isn't just about a tune; it's a whole experience! This verse invites us to blend different sounds together in worship.
A Rich Tapestry of Sound
The verse calls us to sing to the Lord 'with the lyre, with the lyre, and the sound of melody!' This isn't just a simple song. It's a deliberate combination of instruments and voices. Think of it like a full orchestra, where each part adds something unique to the overall beauty.
Instruments and Voices United
The repetition of 'with the lyre' emphasizes the importance of instrumental music, while 'the sound of melody' speaks to the human voice. The ancient Hebrew word for 'melody' or 'psalm' could even refer to a musical instrument itself, suggesting a rich layering of sounds. This isn't about choosing between instruments or voices, but about allowing them to work together to create a powerful and joyful expression of worship.
Why all this musical energy? This verse tells us it's all directed towards a specific purpose: honoring our God.
Worship as a Response
The repeated emphasis on instruments and melody isn't just for show; it's a deliberate act of worship directed 'to the LORD.' This highlights that our praise is a response to who God is and what He has done.
Celebrating God's Majesty
Psalm 98, in its broader context, celebrates God's mighty acts of deliverance and His coming reign as King. The rich music described here is meant to magnify His glory and declare His victory. It's an expression of deep joy and awe for His kingship over all creation. This isn't just background music; it's the sound of a world acknowledging its King.
Understand the original words
kinnor · Hebrew Noun
A stringed instrument commonly used in the Old Testament for worship and accompaniment. It symbolizes the use of creative arts and human skill to enhance the expression of worship to God.
Psalm 98 echoes the triumphant return from Babylonian exile and the rededication of the Temple. The call to sing with harp and melody points to the restoration of joyful worship after a period of silence and sorrow, a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness always leads to praise.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and brings the Ark of the Covenant, introducing elaborate musical worship in the tabernacle.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
Solomon's Temple is built, and Levitical musicians, led by David's arrangements, perform with a vast array of instruments and choirs during its dedication.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and leaving Judah as the sole remaining kingdom.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Judah, deporting many Israelites, including key musicians and temple personnel, to Babylon. Temple worship ceases.
This passage describes Miriam taking a tambourine and leading the women in a song of praise after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting the ancient connection between music, voice, and worship.
1 Chronicles 15:16This verse details the appointment of musicians with instruments and voices to lead worship in Jerusalem, showing the organized and intentional use of music in the temple service.
Revelation 5:8This vision of heavenly worship shows the elders holding harps and golden bowls of incense, representing the prayers of the saints, which connects instrumental music and heartfelt devotion to God.
Psalm 150:3-5This passage offers a comprehensive list of instruments and methods of praise, emphasizing a full and joyful expression of worship using both wind and stringed instruments, as well as voice.
pulpitPsalms 98:5: "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Verse 5. - Sing unto the Lord with the harp; i.e. "with a harp accompaniment." It is fitting that in the praises of God instrumental music should be joined with vocal melody (comp. Exodus 15:20; 2 Samuel 6:15; 1 Chronicles 15:16, 28; 1 Chronicles 16:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12, 13; Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:27, etc.). With the harp, and the voice of a psalm; or, the voice of melody (Revised Version).
clarkePsalms 98:5: "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
With - the voice of a Psalm - I think זמרה zimrah, which we translate Psalm, means either a musical instrument, or a species of ode modulated by different voices.
The repetition of "with the lyre" isn't just about emphasis on instruments; it highlights that even the same instrument can bring different kinds of praise, suggesting a rich variety in how we can offer our worship to God. This means our expressions of devotion shouldn't be monotonous but can and should be diverse and dynamic.
This psalm is a powerful call to celebrate God's victorious might, especially after His mighty acts of deliverance, like leading Israel out of Egypt. It’s a rejoicing that should echo not just through Israel but across the entire earth, for God's justice and salvation are for all nations. Following the exhilarating command to make a joyful noise, verse 5 urges the use of instruments like the lyre, combined with singing, to make the praise as full and resonant as possible.
This psalm is a powerful call to celebrate God's victorious might, especially after His mighty acts of deliverance, like leading Israel out of Egypt. It’s a rejoicing that should echo not just through Israel but across the entire earth, for God's justice and salvation are for all nations. Following the exhilarating command to make a joyful noise, verse 5 urges the use of instruments like the lyre, combined with singing, to make the praise as full and resonant as possible.
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c. 538 BC
Return from Exile Begins
Cyrus the Great permits the Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem. Rebuilding the Temple and restoring worship, though on a humbler scale, commences.
c. 516 BC— this verse
Second Temple Dedicated
The Second Temple is dedicated, and the ancient forms of worship, including musical praise, are re-established, though without the grandeur of Solomon's era.
c. 3rd-2nd century BC
Psalms Compiled and Canonized
The collection of Psalms, including Psalm 98, is assembled and recognized as sacred scripture, reflecting varied historical experiences and liturgical practices.
"Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!" — The repetition of "with the lyre" isn't just about emphasis on instruments; it highlights that even the same instrument can bring different kinds of praise, suggesting a rich variety in how we can of…
