Psalms 108:2

Context of Psalms 108:2

Psalm 108 is a powerful Davidic psalm, unique in that it is a composite, drawing its first five verses (including verse 2) almost verbatim from Psalm 57:7-11, and the remainder from Psalm 60:5-12. This particular verse, "Awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early," sets a tone of fervent, intentional worship. Historically, David, known as "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 23:1), often expressed his deep devotion through music and song, calling both himself and his instruments to action. The context is one of a heart already fixed on praising God, even before seeking His intervention in battle or distress.

Key Themes and Messages

• Zealous and Intentional Worship: The psalmist doesn't wait for inspiration but actively commands his instruments and himself to "awake." This signifies a deliberate, passionate commitment to praise God. It's not a passive response but an active pursuit of worship.
• Personal Commitment: The phrase "I [myself] will awake early" emphasizes the psalmist's individual and resolute decision to worship. It highlights a personal responsibility and eagerness to engage with God before the day's distractions begin.
• Prioritizing Devotion: Waking "early" symbolizes prioritizing God above all else. It speaks to seeking God's presence and offering praise at the very beginning of the day, dedicating the first fruits of one's time and energy to Him. This commitment to early devotion is echoed in other scriptures, such as the example of Jesus rising early to pray.
• The Role of Music in Worship: The mention of the "psaltery and harp" underscores the importance of musical instruments in the worship practices of ancient Israel, and their ability to stir the soul and aid in expressing praise.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "awake" is 'ur (עוּר), which means to stir up, arouse, or awaken. It's an active verb, indicating a call to action rather than a passive state. This same word is used for the instruments and for the psalmist himself, creating a powerful parallelism. The "psaltery" (nevel - נֶבֶל) and "harp" (kinnor - כִּנּוֹר) were common stringed instruments in ancient Israel, often used in temple worship and personal devotion. The term "early" (shachar - שַׁחַר) refers specifically to the dawn or morning twilight, emphasizing the earliest possible moment of the day, signaling eagerness and utmost priority.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful call to intentional and fervent worship in our own lives.

• Cultivate a Heart of Praise: We are encouraged to not wait for feelings of inspiration but to actively stir up our hearts to praise God, even commanding our "instruments" (our talents, voices, and possessions) to join in.
• Prioritize God Daily: The commitment to "awake early" challenges us to dedicate the best part of our day, often the morning, to communion with God through prayer, Bible reading, and worship. This sets a spiritual tone for the entire day.
• Personalize Your Devotion: The emphasis on "I [myself]" reminds us that worship is a deeply personal act. While corporate worship is vital, individual devotion is the wellspring of a vibrant faith.
• Use All Resources for Worship: Just as David called his instruments to awake, we are called to use all that we have—our gifts, abilities, and even technology—to honor and glorify God.

Ultimately, Psalms 108:2 inspires believers to approach God with a proactive, joyful, and dedicated spirit of worship, making Him the first and foremost priority of their lives.