Psalms 144:9

KJV

¶ I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will sing {H7891} a new {H2319} song {H7892} unto thee, O God {H430}: upon a psaltery {H5035} and an instrument of ten strings {H6218} will I sing praises {H2167} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

God, I will sing a new song to you; sing praises to you with a ten-stringed harp.

Berean Standard Bible

I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You—

American Standard Version

I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: Upon a psaltery of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 144:9 expresses the psalmist's fervent commitment to offering fresh, vibrant praise to God, acknowledging His mighty acts of deliverance and faithfulness. This "new song" is not merely a repetition but a renewed outpouring of gratitude and devotion, accompanied by specific musical instruments, signifying a comprehensive and heartfelt worship response to God's ongoing work in the life of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 144 is a royal psalm, attributed to David, and exhibits a composite nature, drawing heavily on themes and phrases from earlier psalms, particularly [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance") and [Psalm 8](/psalms/8 "Psalm 8 - God's Glory and Man's Dignity"). The psalm opens with a prayer for divine strength and protection in battle (verses 1-2), transitions to a reflection on the brevity of human life contrasted with God's greatness (verses 3-4), and then appeals for God's intervention against enemies (verses 5-8). Verse 9 marks a significant pivot, shifting from supplication to a declaration of praise and anticipated thanksgiving. This "new song" is presented as a response to God's promised or already-experienced deliverance, particularly highlighted in verse 10, which speaks of God giving salvation to kings and delivering His servant David. The psalm concludes with a vision of national prosperity and blessing under God's favor (verses 12-15), framing the individual act of worship within a broader communal context of divine provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, a king, warrior, and musician, Psalm 144 reflects the socio-political realities of ancient Israel, often engaged in warfare and reliant on divine intervention for victory and national flourishing. The mention of "psaltery" (nebel) and "instrument of ten strings" (asor) underscores the centrality of instrumental music in Israelite worship, both in the Tabernacle/Temple cult and in personal devotion and celebration. These were common stringed instruments, likely lyres or harps, used to accompany singing and create a rich tapestry of sound for praise. David himself was renowned as a skilled musician and composer, establishing musical guilds and practices that would become foundational for Temple worship. The concept of a "new song" often emerged in contexts of significant historical events—a new victory, a fresh act of salvation, or a renewed covenant experience—demanding a novel expression of praise beyond traditional liturgies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 144 and the Psalter. Firstly, it highlights **Renewed Praise**, emphasizing that worship is not static but dynamic, ever-responsive to God's ongoing faithfulness and new acts of salvation. The "new song" signifies a fresh appreciation for God's character and deeds, moving beyond rote recitation to heartfelt adoration. Secondly, it underscores **Musical Worship**, affirming the vital role of instrumental music and song as legitimate and powerful expressions of devotion. The specific mention of instruments illustrates the intentionality and artistry involved in offering praise. Thirdly, it reveals a profound **Commitment to God**, as the psalmist declares a personal, volitional act ("I will sing") directed solely "unto thee, O God." This personal vow of praise is deeply intertwined with the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, as the broader context of Psalm 144 reveals that this "new song" is prompted by God's past and anticipated intervention against enemies and for the prosperity of His people, echoing the sentiments found in [Psalm 40:3](/psalms/40-3 "Psalm 40:3 - A New Song of Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, often translated as "God," refers to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. While grammatically plural, when used with singular verbs or referring to the God of Israel (especially with the definite article), it denotes the one true God, emphasizing His majesty, power, and comprehensive authority. Here, it signifies the ultimate recipient of the psalmist's praise.
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** This adjective means "new," "fresh," or "fresh thing." In the context of a "new song," it implies not just a previously unheard melody, but a fresh reason for praise, a renewed experience of God's grace, or an innovative expression of devotion that reflects a current or anticipated act of divine salvation. It speaks to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of a relationship with God.
* **sing praises (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument," hence "to play upon it." It also encompasses "to make music, accompanied by the voice," and thus "to celebrate in song and music," "to give praise," or "to sing forth praises/psalms." This word specifically connects the act of singing with instrumental accompaniment, emphasizing a full, orchestrated expression of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ I will sing a new song unto thee, O God:"** This opening clause is a personal, resolute declaration of the psalmist's intention to offer fresh and vibrant praise. The "new song" signifies a response to a new experience of God's faithfulness or a renewed understanding of His character, moving beyond conventional expressions. The direct address "unto thee, O God" emphasizes the personal and exclusive nature of this worship, directed to the sovereign Lord.
* **"upon a psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings"** This phrase specifies the musical instruments that will accompany the "new song." The "psaltery" (nebel) and "instrument of ten strings" (asor, a decachord) were common stringed instruments, likely types of harps or lyres, used in Temple worship and personal devotion. Their inclusion highlights the importance of instrumental music in ancient Israelite worship, signifying a full and intentional engagement of artistic means in praise.
* **"will I sing praises unto thee."** This concluding clause reiterates and reinforces the psalmist's commitment to praise, using a different Hebrew verb (zâmar) that specifically connotes singing accompanied by instrumental music. It underscores the comprehensive nature of the worship, involving both vocal and instrumental elements, all directed "unto thee," reaffirming God as the sole object and recipient of this elaborate and heartfelt adoration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of the intention to "sing" and "sing praises," reinforcing the central theme of worship. The phrase "new song" functions as a **Metaphor** for fresh, vibrant, and renewed praise, implying a departure from routine or a response to a novel act of divine intervention. The specific mention of "psaltery" and "instrument of ten strings" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (the instruments) represent the broader concept of comprehensive musical worship. Furthermore, the entire declaration is an act of **Vow** or **Pledge**, a personal commitment made by the psalmist to God, demonstrating a deep sense of devotion and gratitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 144:9 beautifully encapsulates the dynamic nature of genuine worship, which is not merely a rote exercise but a living, responsive expression of gratitude and adoration. The concept of a "new song" is a profound theological statement, suggesting that God's ongoing acts of salvation, His faithfulness in deliverance, and His ever-unfolding revelation of Himself constantly provide fresh reasons for praise. It challenges believers to avoid complacency in their worship, encouraging them to seek new depths of understanding and new avenues of expression for God's unchanging goodness. The inclusion of musical instruments underscores that worship is meant to engage our whole being—our voices, our creativity, and our resources—in a full and intentional offering to the Lord. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our praise should always be current, heartfelt, and proportional to the magnificent works of God in our lives and in the world.

* [Psalm 33:3](/psalms/33-3 "Psalm 33:3 - Sing a New Song to the Lord")
* [Psalm 96:1](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing to the Lord a New Song")
* [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of the Redeemed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's declaration to sing a "new song" to God, accompanied by instruments, offers a powerful model for contemporary worship. It calls us beyond mere routine or obligation to cultivate a spirit of fresh gratitude and genuine awe in the presence of God. Just as God continually reveals new facets of His character and performs new acts of grace in our lives, our response of praise should likewise be renewed and invigorated. This means intentionally seeking out and acknowledging God's daily mercies, His specific interventions, and His enduring faithfulness, allowing these experiences to ignite new melodies of praise in our hearts. Furthermore, the emphasis on musical instruments reminds us that worship can and should engage our creativity, our skills, and all the resources at our disposal to honor God. Whether through music, art, service, or simply a renewed spirit of adoration, we are invited to offer our "new song" to the One who is always doing new and wonderful things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "new" acts of God's grace or faithfulness have you experienced recently that could inspire a "new song" of praise in your life?**
* **In what ways might your personal or corporate worship become more "new" or fresh, moving beyond routine to genuine, heartfelt expression?**
* **How can you utilize your unique gifts and resources, like the psalmist used instruments, to offer more intentional and comprehensive praise to God?**
* **What does it mean for your worship to be truly "unto thee, O God," focusing solely on Him as the object of your adoration?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist promise to sing a "new song"?**

Answer: The promise to sing a "new song" (Hebrew: *shir chadash*) signifies a fresh, renewed, or unprecedented reason for praise. It's not just about a new melody, but a new experience of God's faithfulness or a new act of His salvation that demands a unique expression of gratitude. In the context of Psalm 144, it likely refers to God's ongoing deliverance and anticipated victory over enemies, which inspires a fresh outpouring of adoration beyond previous expressions of worship. This concept appears frequently in the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "Psalm 98:1 - Sing to the Lord a New Song for His Marvelous Deeds").

**What is the significance of mentioning the "psaltery" and "instrument of ten strings"?**

Answer: The "psaltery" (Hebrew: *nebel*) and "instrument of ten strings" (Hebrew: *asor*, a decachord) were common stringed instruments, likely types of harps or lyres, used in ancient Israelite worship. Their mention highlights the integral role of instrumental music in the expression of praise. It signifies that worship was not solely vocal but involved a full, orchestrated engagement of artistic and musical talents. This detail emphasizes intentionality, skill, and the dedication of resources to glorify God, suggesting that our worship should be comprehensive and utilize all available means to honor Him, much like the call in [Psalm 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - Praise the Lord with All Instruments").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's vow to "sing a new song" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David's new song was prompted by God's deliverance in his earthly battles, the truest and most comprehensive deliverance comes through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection. He is the ultimate reason for a perpetually "new song," for through Him, humanity receives not just temporary victory but eternal salvation and reconciliation with God. The new covenant established in His blood (as described in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")) inaugurates a fundamentally new relationship with God, inspiring a praise that transcends all previous forms. The "new song" sung by the redeemed in [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of the Redeemed") is explicitly directed to the Lamb who was slain, perfectly encapsulating the eternal praise due to Him for His redemptive work. Every act of God's grace, every spiritual blessing in Christ (as detailed in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed Be God in Christ")), and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth (foretold in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")) become fresh, inexhaustible reasons for believers to continually sing a new song of adoration, not merely with instruments, but with lives transformed by the Spirit, reflecting the glory of the resurrected Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 33:2

Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings.

Psalms 33:3

Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalms 81:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Psalms 81:3

Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.

Psalms 149:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.

Psalms 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.