Psalms 108:2

Translation
King James Version
Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Awake H5782, psaltery H5035 and harp H3658: I myself will awake H5782 early H7837.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Awake, lute and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
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Berean Standard Bible
Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
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American Standard Version
Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake right early.
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World English Bible Messianic
Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Awake viole and harpe: I will awake early.
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Young's Literal Translation
Awake, psaltery and harp, I awake the dawn.
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See also
Psalms 69:30Psalms 81:2Psalms 33:2Psalms 57:8Psalms 92:1Psalms 92:4Psalms 103:22
See on the biblical-era map
Psalms 60 and 108
Psalms 60 and 108 View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 15,745 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 108:2 presents a vibrant and resolute call to worship, as the psalmist, King David, commands his musical instruments—the psaltery and harp—to "awake," immediately followed by a profound declaration that he himself will "awake early." This verse encapsulates a deep and proactive commitment to intentional, heartfelt praise, signaling a profound desire to prioritize communion with God at the very outset of the day and before engaging in any other activity, even in the midst of pressing needs or impending conflict.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 108 stands as a unique "composite psalm" within the Psalter, meticulously crafted from two distinct earlier psalms. The opening verses, 1-5, which include Psalms 108:2, are drawn almost verbatim from Psalm 57:7-11, a psalm of David expressing unwavering trust and praise even in the midst of distress. The remainder of Psalm 108 (verses 6-13) is taken from Psalm 60:5-12, a lament and prayer for divine intervention following a military setback. By combining these, Psalm 108 transforms individual expressions of praise and lament into a national prayer for deliverance and victory, firmly rooted in a foundational commitment to unwavering worship. The initial verses, therefore, powerfully set the tone for the entire psalm, establishing that the subsequent plea for divine intervention arises from a heart already fixed on God and prepared to offer Him praise.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: King David, renowned as "the sweet psalmist of Israel" in 2 Samuel 23:1, was not only a formidable warrior and sagacious king but also a profound worshiper and gifted musician. Musical instruments such as the nebel (psaltery) and kinnor (harp) were integral to Israelite worship, employed in both the tabernacle/temple and in personal devotion. They served to accompany singing, stir the soul, and facilitate the expression of a wide spectrum of emotions before God. The emphasis on waking "early" (Hebrew: shachar) reflects a prevalent ancient Near Eastern practice and a deeply embedded biblical ideal of seeking God at dawn, dedicating the first and best portion of the day to Him. This practice often signified earnestness, urgency, and the highest priority, a theme vividly illustrated in various biblical narratives where figures like Abraham and Jesus rose early for significant spiritual encounters or actions.
  • Key Themes: Psalms 108:2 contributes significantly to several pivotal themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Zealous and Intentional Worship. The psalmist does not passively await inspiration but actively commands himself and his instruments to engage in praise, thereby demonstrating a proactive, deliberate, and fervent commitment to God. Secondly, it highlights Personal Commitment and Priority. The emphatic declaration "I myself will awake early" emphasizes the individual's resolute decision to seek God first, dedicating the freshest part of the day and the most vibrant energy to Him. This prioritizes devotion above all other concerns and demands. Thirdly, it affirms The Integral Role of Music in Worship. The direct address to the psaltery and harp illustrates how music was not merely an accompaniment but an active participant in the expression of praise, capable of stirring the heart and facilitating profound communion with God. This verse, therefore, establishes a robust foundation of unwavering praise upon which the subsequent petitions for deliverance are built.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Awake (Hebrew, ʻûwr', H5782): This verb signifies "to stir up," "arouse," or "awaken." It is used here in the causative imperative, a direct command to both the musical instruments and the psalmist himself to be roused from inactivity. This implies a deliberate, conscious effort to initiate praise, rather than passively waiting for an emotional impulse. The repetition of this verb, applied to both inanimate objects and the psalmist's own will, creates a powerful sense of urgency and determined resolve.
  • Psaltery (Hebrew, nebel', H5035): This refers to a stringed instrument, often identified as a lute or lyre, typically played with the fingers. It was a common and resonant instrument in ancient Israelite worship, frequently mentioned alongside the harp. Its inclusion here signifies the full readiness of musical accompaniment, symbolizing the psalmist's desire for all available means to be employed in the act of praise.
  • Early (Hebrew, shachar', H7837): This noun denotes the dawn, the first light of morning, or morning twilight. Its use in this verse emphasizes the earliest possible moment of the day, signifying eagerness, priority, and the dedication of the "firstfruits" of one's time and energy to God. It speaks to a profound desire to begin the day in God's presence, before the distractions and demands of daily life commence, reflecting a deep spiritual discipline.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Awake, psaltery and harp:" This is a direct, imperative command addressed to inanimate musical instruments. This literary technique, known as personification, imbues the instruments with a sense of agency, as if they too must be roused from slumber to participate in the sacred act of worship. It poetically conveys the psalmist's intention to engage fully in musical praise, suggesting that the instruments are not mere tools but active participants, needing to be "stirred" for their divine purpose. This command also implies the psalmist's own readiness to play them with skill and devotion.
  • "I myself will awake early." This clause shifts the focus from the instruments to the psalmist's personal, resolute commitment. The emphatic "I myself" (implied by the Hebrew verb form and context) highlights his individual initiative and unwavering determination. Waking "early" signifies the highest priority given to God, dedicating the freshest part of the day to Him. It is a declaration of proactive devotion, a conscious choice to begin the day with praise and communion, thereby setting a spiritual tone for all that follows. This personal awakening is not merely physical but a spiritual stirring of the soul to worship.

Literary Devices

Psalms 108:2 masterfully employs several potent Literary Devices. Foremost is Personification, as the psalmist directly addresses his "psaltery and harp," commanding them to "awake." This imbues the instruments with a sense of agency, as if they too must be roused to participate in the sacred act of worship. This device highlights the psalmist's deep connection to his music and his desire for all aspects of his life, even his tools, to be consecrated to God's praise. Secondly, Parallelism is evident in the structure, where the command to the instruments ("Awake, psaltery and harp") is immediately mirrored by the psalmist's personal declaration ("I myself will awake early"). This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, emphasizing the unity between external expression (music) and internal resolve (the psalmist's heart). It underscores that true worship involves both outward action and inward commitment. Thirdly, the phrase "will awake early" functions as a form of Hyperbole or Intensification, conveying extreme eagerness and priority. While literally meaning dawn, it metaphorically signifies dedicating the very first and best of one's time and energy to God, before any other demands arise. This proactive stance is a testament to the psalmist's fervent devotion.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 108:2 offers profound theological insights into the very nature of worship. It reveals worship not as a passive reaction to fleeting inspiration, but as an active, intentional, and disciplined pursuit. The psalmist's command to "awake" himself and his instruments demonstrates a will fixed on God, a heart determined to praise Him regardless of external circumstances. This proactive stance reflects a deep-seated conviction that God is inherently worthy of praise at all times, and that initiating communion with Him is life's highest priority. The dedication of the "early" hours symbolizes offering the "firstfruits" of one's time and energy to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and preeminence in every aspect of life. This commitment to early, zealous worship also serves as a spiritual preparation, fortifying the soul for the challenges and petitions that follow in the rest of Psalm 108. It teaches us that our pleas for deliverance and victory are most potent and effective when they spring from a heart already established in praise and devotion.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 108:2 serves as a timeless summons to cultivate a spirit of proactive and passionate worship in our daily lives. It challenges us to move beyond merely waiting for feelings of inspiration and instead to intentionally "stir up" our hearts and minds to praise God. Just as the psalmist commands his instruments to awake, we are called to rouse our own "instruments"—our voices, talents, resources, and even our technology—to be fully engaged in glorifying God. The commitment to "awake early" encourages us to prioritize God at the very beginning of our day, dedicating our freshest thoughts and energies to prayer, Bible study, and worship. This sets a spiritual tone for the entire day, aligning our hearts with God's will before the demands and distractions of the world encroach. Ultimately, this verse inspires a personal, fervent, and disciplined approach to devotion, reminding us that our relationship with God thrives when we actively seek His presence and offer Him our very best.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the psalmist's proactive command to "awake" challenge my own approach to worship and spiritual disciplines?
  • What does it mean for me to "awake early" in my devotion, not just literally, but in prioritizing God at the start of my day or endeavors?
  • In what ways can I "awaken my instruments"—my talents, resources, and time—to more intentionally glorify God?

FAQ

Why is Psalm 108:2 identical to Psalm 57:7?

Answer: Psalm 108 is a unique "composite psalm," meaning it was intentionally created by combining sections from two earlier psalms attributed to David. Psalms 108:1-5 are taken almost verbatim from Psalm 57:7-11, and Psalms 108:6-13 are from Psalm 60:5-12. This practice of combining existing sacred texts was not uncommon in ancient Israel. The re-use of these verses in Psalm 108 suggests a deliberate theological and liturgical purpose: to create a new psalm that begins with a powerful declaration of praise and trust (from Psalm 57) before moving into a national prayer for deliverance and victory (from Psalm 60). This highlights that even in times of national distress or military conflict, the foundation of Israel's hope and prayer was rooted in an unwavering commitment to God's praise.

What is the significance of "early" in this verse?

Answer: The term "early" (Hebrew: shachar) refers to the dawn or morning twilight, the very first light of the day. Its significance in Psalms 108:2 is multifaceted. Firstly, it conveys priority: the psalmist is dedicating the first and best part of his day to God, before any other activities or distractions begin. This signifies that God is his utmost concern. Secondly, it expresses eagerness and zeal: the psalmist is not reluctantly waking, but eagerly rising to meet God, demonstrating a passionate desire for communion. Thirdly, it reflects a biblical pattern of seeking God at the start of the day, as seen in figures like Jesus, who rose early to pray, and the instruction to seek wisdom "early" in Proverbs 8:17. This practice sets a spiritual tone for the entire day, aligning one's heart and mind with God's will from the outset.

Are musical instruments necessary for worship today, as implied by the "psaltery and harp"?

Answer: While Psalms 108:2 highlights the historical and cultural importance of musical instruments in ancient Israelite worship, it does not imply they are absolutely necessary for worship today. The mention of the "psaltery and harp" underscores how music can be a powerful aid in expressing devotion and stirring the soul towards God. However, the core message of the verse is about the psalmist's personal, intentional commitment to worship. The instruments are called to "awake" alongside the psalmist himself, symbolizing that all of one's resources, talents, and being should be roused for God's glory. In contemporary worship, while musical instruments continue to play a vital role in corporate gatherings and personal devotion, true worship is ultimately a matter of the heart and spirit, as Jesus taught in John 4:23-24. The "instruments" can be understood metaphorically as all the gifts and abilities God has given us, which we are called to "awaken" and use for His praise.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 108:2, with its fervent call to proactive and early worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's determination to "awake early" to praise God powerfully foreshadows Christ's perfect life of devotion, where He consistently prioritized His Father's will, often rising "very early in the morning, while it was still dark," to pray and commune with God (Mark 1:35). Jesus is the quintessential worshiper, whose entire life was a perfect offering of praise and obedience to God (Hebrews 10:7). Moreover, the psalmist's "awakening" to praise points to the greater "awakening" of Christ from the dead, His glorious resurrection "early on the first day of the week" (Luke 24:1). This pivotal event empowers all true worship, for it is through Christ's decisive victory over sin and death that we, too, are awakened to new life and enabled to offer acceptable praise to God (Romans 6:4). Our "psaltery and harp"—our voices, our talents, our very lives, and all our faculties—are now called to "awake" in worship, not merely by human resolve, but by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24), making our lives a living sacrifice of praise to the One who first awakened us from spiritual death to eternal life.

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Commentary on Psalms 108 verses 1–5

We may here learn how to praise God from the example of one who was master of the art. 1. We must praise God with fixedness of heart. Our heart must be employed in the duty (else we make nothing of it) and engaged to the duty (Psa 108:1): O God! my heart is fixed, and then I will sing and give praise. Wandering straggling thoughts must be gathered in, and kept close to the business; for they must be told that here is work enough for them all. 2. We must praise God with freeness of expression: I will praise him with my glory, that is, with my tongue. Our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when it is employed in praising God. When the heart is inditing this good matter our tongue must be as the pen of a ready writer, Psa 45:1. David's skill in music was his glory, it made him famous, and this should be consecrated to the praise of God; and therefore it follows, Awake my psaltery and harp. Whatever gift we excel in we must praise God with. 3. We must praise God with fervency of affection, and must stir up ourselves to do it, that it may be done in a lively manner and not carelessly (Psa 108:2): Awake, psaltery and harp; let it not be done with a dull and sleepy tune, but let the airs be all lively. I myself will awake early to do it, with all that is within me, and all little enough. Warm devotions honour God. 4. We must praise God publicly, as those that are not ashamed to own our obligations to him and our thankful sense of his favours, but desire that others also may be in like manner affected with the divine goodness (Psa 108:3): I will praise thee among the people of the Jews; nay, I will sing to thee among the nations of the earth. Whatever company we are in we must take all occasions to speak well of God; and we must not be shy of singing psalms, though our neighbours hear us, for it looks like being ashamed of our Master. 5. We must, in our praises, magnify the mercy and truth of God in a special manner (Psa 108:4), mercy in promising, truth in performing. The heavens are vast, but the mercy of God is more capacious; the skies are high and bright, but the truth of God is more eminent, more illustrious. We cannot see further than the heavens and clouds; whatever we see of God's mercy and truth there is still more to be seen, more reserved to be seen, in the other world. 6. Since we find ourselves so, defective in glorifying God, we must beg of him to glorify himself, to do all, to dispose all, to his own glory, to get himself honour and make himself a name (Psa 108:5): Be thou exalted, O God! above the heavens, higher than the angels themselves can exalt thee with their praises, and let thy glory be spread over all the earth. Father, glorify thy own name. Thou hast glorified it; glorify it again. It is to be our first petition, Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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