Psalms 147:7

KJV

Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

KJV (with Strong's)

Sing {H6030} unto the LORD {H3068} with thanksgiving {H8426}; sing praise {H2167} upon the harp {H3658} unto our God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Sing to ADONAI with thanks, sing praises on the lyre to our God.

Berean Standard Bible

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music on the harp to our God,

American Standard Version

Sing unto Jehovah with thanksgiving; Sing praises upon the harp unto our God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:7 issues a vibrant, twofold invitation to worship, calling God's people to express their profound gratitude and adoration through both vocal and instrumental praise. This verse encapsulates a core biblical truth: worship is an active, heartfelt response to God's magnificent power and His tender, providential care, urging believers to offer a "sacrifice of praise" that acknowledges His sovereign rule over creation and His intimate involvement in human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, likely composed during a period of restoration for Israel, possibly after the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The psalm begins and ends with a resounding call to praise Yahweh (vv. 1, 20), framing a rich tapestry of God's attributes. It celebrates His immense power over the natural world, from numbering the stars and calling them by name (v. 4) to sending snow and frost (vv. 16-18). Simultaneously, it highlights His compassionate care for the humble and afflicted (vv. 3, 6) and His specific, covenantal relationship with Israel, revealing His statutes and judgments to them alone (vv. 19-20). Within this grand narrative of divine majesty and mercy, verse 7 serves as an immediate and joyful response, a practical directive for how God's people are to acknowledge His goodness, particularly in light of the restoration described earlier, such as God's work in [building up Jerusalem](/psalms/147-2 "Psalm 147:2 - God Builds Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 147 strongly suggests a post-exilic setting, a time when the Jewish people were re-establishing their identity and worship in Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the city walls and the restoration of temple worship would have been central to their national and spiritual renewal. Music and song were integral to ancient Israelite worship, not merely as entertainment but as a profound means of expressing theological truths, communal lament, and exuberant praise. Instruments like the *kinnor* (harp) were foundational to temple liturgy and personal devotion, as evidenced throughout the Psalms and historical accounts of temple musicians, such as those appointed by David in [1 Chronicles 25:6](/1_chronicles/25-6 "1 Chronicles 25:6 - Temple Musicians"). The call to "sing with thanksgiving" (Hebrew: *tôwdâh*) also resonates with the practice of thank offerings, where individuals brought sacrifices to express gratitude, often accompanied by communal feasting and praise, signifying a holistic act of worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 147 and the Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **responsive worship**, emphasizing that praise is not an obligation but a natural outflow of a heart that recognizes God's goodness and power. Secondly, it highlights the **holistic nature of worship**, involving both vocal expression ("sing") and instrumental accompaniment ("upon the harp"), suggesting that all facets of human creativity and expression can be consecrated to God's glory. This aligns with the comprehensive call to praise found throughout the Psalms, culminating in the grand symphony of praise envisioned in [Psalm 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Call to Praise with All Instruments"). Thirdly, the repeated address to "the LORD" (Yahweh) and "our God" reinforces the theme of **God's unique identity and covenant faithfulness**. He is the transcendent Creator, yet also the immanent, personal God who cares for His people, making Him the sole worthy object of such fervent adoration. The theme of **thanksgiving** is also paramount, positioning gratitude as the wellspring of genuine praise, echoing sentiments like those in [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving") which calls believers to "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the primitive root *hâyâh*, meaning "to be," this is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging nature, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His unique identity as the one true God, distinct from all other deities. Addressing God by this name underscores that the praise is directed to the sovereign, relational God of Israel.
* **Thanksgiving (Hebrew, _tôwdâh'_):** Derived from the root *yâdâh*, meaning "to extend the hand," *tôwdâh* properly signifies an extension of the hand, which by implication means avowal, adoration, or confession. It is commonly used to refer to praise, especially a "thank offering" or "sacrifice of praise." This word suggests a deep sense of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's goodness, often expressed publicly. Its inclusion here indicates that the singing is not merely aesthetic but is fueled by a heart of profound appreciation for God's blessings and character.
* **Harp (Hebrew, _kinnôwr'_):** From an unused root meaning "to twang," *kinnôwr* refers to a stringed instrument, specifically a lyre or harp, which was common in ancient Israelite worship and personal devotion. Its explicit mention indicates that instrumental music is a legitimate and desired component of praise. The word itself suggests a vibrant, resonant quality of the music intended for worship, highlighting the use of skill and artistry in devotion to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving":** This opening clause is a direct imperative, a command to engage in vocal worship. The object of this singing is "the LORD" (*Yᵉhôvâh*), emphasizing that all praise is directed to the personal, covenantal God of Israel. The crucial qualifier "with thanksgiving" (*tôwdâh*) indicates the *motive* and *content* of this singing. It's not just any song, but one brimming with gratitude, acknowledging God's benevolent actions and His unchanging character. This implies a heart-level engagement, where praise flows from a recognition of divine goodness and faithfulness.
* **"sing praise upon the harp unto our God":** This second clause reiterates and expands upon the call to sing, now specifying the *manner* and *accompaniment* of the praise. The phrase "sing praise" (from *zâmar*, which implies making music, often with instruments) reinforces the idea of a musical offering. The "harp" (*kinnôwr*) explicitly includes instrumental worship, signifying that musical skill and artistry are to be employed in God's service. The object of this praise is "our God," which uses the majestic plural *ʼĕlôhîym* alongside the possessive "our," affirming both God's supreme deity and His intimate, personal relationship with His worshipping community. This parallelism reinforces the holistic nature of worship, combining vocal and instrumental elements, all directed to the one true and majestic God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 147:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line largely repeats and reinforces the meaning of the first, using different but related terms. "Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving" is echoed and expanded by "sing praise upon the harp unto our God." This repetition serves to emphasize the central command to worship and to broaden its scope, encompassing both vocal and instrumental forms. The use of **Imperatives** ("Sing," "sing praise") creates a direct, urgent, and authoritative call to action, demanding a response from the audience. The verse also exhibits a subtle form of **Merism** by combining vocal and instrumental praise, suggesting that all forms of musical expression are to be dedicated to God. Finally, the shift from "the LORD" (Yahweh) to "our God" (*ʼĕlôhîym*) demonstrates a nuanced **Theological Emphasis**, highlighting both God's transcendent, covenantal name and His immanent, personal relationship with His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:7 profoundly shapes our understanding of worship, revealing it as an active, grateful, and holistic response to God's character and deeds. It teaches that true praise flows from a heart filled with thanksgiving, acknowledging God's sovereignty over creation and His specific, tender care for His people. This verse invites believers to engage all their faculties—voice, instruments, and spirit—in adoration, transforming worship into a vibrant offering that reflects God's majesty and mercy. It positions gratitude as the wellspring of genuine praise, reminding us that our response to God's goodness should be one of overflowing joy and acknowledgment, a spiritual sacrifice that pleases Him.

* [Psalm 95:1-2](/psalms/95-1-2 "Psalm 95:1-2 - Come, let us sing to the LORD")
* [Psalm 100:4-5](/psalms/100-4-5 "Psalm 100:4-5 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:7 serves as an enduring summons to a life of worship, reminding us that praise is not merely a ritual but a profound, active response to the living God. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing that gratitude for God's immeasurable blessings—His creation, His provision, His redemption—is the fertile ground from which genuine praise springs. This verse encourages us to use all our gifts and talents, whether vocal, instrumental, or otherwise, to honor God, understanding that our worship should be as comprehensive and heartfelt as His love for us. It calls us to move beyond passive observance to active, joyful participation in declaring God's greatness, both individually and communally, making our lives a continuous melody of praise to "our God."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific aspects of God's character or actions evoke the deepest sense of thanksgiving in your heart, prompting you to sing His praise?**
* **How can you more intentionally incorporate both vocal and instrumental expressions of praise into your personal devotional life and corporate worship, reflecting the holistic call of this verse?**
* **In what ways can your daily life become a "song of praise" to God, even beyond formal worship settings, demonstrating a continuous attitude of gratitude?**

### FAQ
**Why is "thanksgiving" specifically mentioned as part of singing praise?**

Answer: The inclusion of "thanksgiving" (Hebrew: *tôwdâh*) is crucial because it highlights the *motive* and *content* of genuine praise. It suggests that our singing should not be a mechanical act but an overflow of a heart deeply grateful for God's character, His providential care, and His redemptive acts. In ancient Israel, a *tôwdâh* was often a "thank offering," a sacrifice brought to express gratitude. Thus, "singing with thanksgiving" implies offering our praise as a spiritual sacrifice, a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness, as seen in the New Testament's call to offer a "sacrifice of praise" to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")). It grounds our worship in a recognition of who God is and what He has done for us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 147:7 is a direct call to praise the God of Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. The "LORD" (Yahweh) and "our God" to whom praise is directed is fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the exact imprint of God's nature and the radiance of His glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Through Christ, the "sacrifice of praise" that the Psalmist calls for becomes profoundly accessible. We are now able to offer true thanksgiving not merely for God's creation or covenant with Israel, but for the ultimate act of redemption accomplished through the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The New Testament church is continually exhorted to "sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" ([Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")), recognizing that our praise is empowered by the indwelling Spirit and offered through Christ. Our worship, whether vocal or instrumental, is now a response to the finished work of Jesus, who has reconciled us to God and made us part of His new creation. Thus, every note and every word of praise is ultimately directed to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit, making our thanksgiving a participation in the eternal worship of the [one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Praise to God and the Lamb").

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 95:1

¶ O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalms 47:6

Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

Psalms 47:7

For God [is] the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Psalms 68:32

¶ Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

Psalms 107:21

Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.