Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The repetition of "with the lyre" isn't just emphasis; it suggests a layered musical experience, moving from instrumental sound to a rich combination of instrument and voice. This highlights how our worship should involve both dedicated musical skill and heartfelt, expressive singing.
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a jubilant call for all creation to celebrate God's righteous judgment and coming reign. It follows directly after verses urging everyone to "make a joyful noise" and sing praise, emphasizing the power and scope of God's justice. The verses that follow paint a vivid picture of nature itself responding with joy, culminating in the anticipation of God's arrival to judge the world.
Why does the Bible so often call us to sing and make music to God? It's not just a suggestion; it's a fundamental part of how we're meant to connect with Him.
This verse calls us to a specific kind of worship: active, joyful, and multi-sensory. It's not just about a quiet, internal feeling; it's about expressing our praise outwardly.
More Than Just Sound
The command to 'sing' and use instruments isn't accidental. Think of it as God's design for our worship. He wants our whole being involved – our voices, our hands, our instruments. This blend of vocal melody and instrumental accompaniment creates a richer, more powerful expression of awe and gratitude. It's about creating a symphony that honors the King of Kings.
Is worship just about the music, or is there something more? This verse hints at a vital partnership between the sound and the message.
The phrase 'the voice of a psalm' is key here. It means our music should be more than just pleasant sounds; it needs to carry God's truth and express His praises in words.
Expressing Truth Through Song
While instruments add depth and emotion, the 'voice of a psalm' ensures our worship is grounded in God's message. It's the combination of instrumental richness and lyrical truth that truly magnifies God. Think of it as God's Word set to music – an unforgettable way to internalize and proclaim His goodness.
Understand the original words
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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 envisions a future universal worship, but its call to use the lyre and melody reflects the rich, established musical traditions of Israelite worship, particularly during the Temple periods.
c. 1400 BC
Tabernacle and Ark Worship Established
The establishment of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant provided a central place for Israelite worship, which included musical instruments as commanded by God.
c. 1000 BC
Temple of Solomon Inaugurated
King David established a grand system of worship in Jerusalem with Davidic musicians, including instruments like the lyre, to accompany the Psalms. This set a precedent for temple worship.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian conquest led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, disrupting the established musical worship and scattering the people.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Following the exile, the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel saw the restoration of musical praise, echoing earlier traditions.
c. 458 BC
Ezra Leads Second Wave of Returnees
Ezra, a scribe and priest, led another group of exiles back to Jerusalem. His reforms emphasized the Law and the restoration of Temple services, including music.
c. 444 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem Walls
Nehemiah's work to rebuild the walls was accompanied by joyful thanksgiving and musical processions, celebrating God's faithfulness and the restoration of the city.
First Century AD— this verse
Psalms Sung in Second Temple Period
During the Second Temple period, Psalms like this one were still central to worship. The practices of musical accompaniment, including the lyre, continued.
This passage shows Miriam leading women in singing and dancing with tambourines after the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, highlighting the use of music and vocal praise in celebrating God's deliverance.
1 Chronicles 15:16Here, David instructs the Levites to appoint musicians with instruments like lyres and harps and to sing with joyous voices to make music to the LORD, emphasizing the organized and joyous use of instruments and voices in worship.
Revelation 5:8This New Testament passage describes the elders holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints, and also holding harps, symbolizing the combination of prayer and praise expressed through music in heavenly worship.
Psalm 150:3-5This psalm is a rich collection of commands for praising God with various instruments, including the lyre and harp, and with vocal music, underscoring the diverse and enthusiastic ways God is to be praised.
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 emphasis; it suggests a layered musical experience, moving from instrumental sound to a rich combination of instrument and voice. This highlights how our worship should involve both dedicated musical skill and heartfelt, expressive singing.
This psalm is a jubilant call for all creation to celebrate God's righteous judgment and coming reign. It follows directly after verses urging everyone to "make a joyful noise" and sing praise, emphasizing the power and scope of God's justice. The verses that follow paint a vivid picture of nature itself responding with joy, culminating in the anticipation of God's arrival to judge the world.
This psalm is a jubilant call for all creation to celebrate God's righteous judgment and coming reign. It follows directly after verses urging everyone to "make a joyful noise" and sing praise, emphasizing the power and scope of God's justice. The verses that follow paint a vivid picture of nature itself responding with joy, culminating in the anticipation of God's arrival to judge the world.
"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 emphasis; it suggests a layered musical experience, moving from instrumental sound to a rich combination of instrument and voice. This highlights how our…
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Last reviewed October 2026