Psalms 33:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H3034} the LORD {H3068} with harp {H3658}: sing {H2167} unto him with the psaltery {H5035} and an instrument of ten strings {H6218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give thanks to ADONAI with the lyre, sing praises to him with a ten-stringed harp.

Berean Standard Bible

Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings.

American Standard Version

Give thanks unto Jehovah with the harp: Sing praises unto him with the psaltery of ten strings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 33:2 is a vibrant and specific summons to worship, urging the faithful to offer praise to the LORD through the skillful and joyful use of musical instruments. It highlights the active, intentional, and multifaceted nature of adoration, emphasizing that worship is not merely a passive state but a dynamic engagement of one's faculties and resources in expressing profound reverence and gratitude for God's character and deeds. This verse sets a foundational tone for the psalm's broader celebration of God's sovereignty, creative power, and providential care, underscoring the integral role of music in ancient Israelite communal and individual devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 33 stands as a communal hymn of praise, opening with an immediate exhortation for the righteous to rejoice in the LORD, setting a tone of exuberant worship. Verse 2 directly follows this initial call, providing concrete instructions on *how* this praise should be offered—specifically through instrumental music and singing. The psalm then elaborates on the reasons for such praise, moving from God's creative word ([Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - God's Creative Word")) and sovereign control over nations ([Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations")) to His providential care for those who fear Him ([Psalm 33:18](/psalms/33-18 "Psalm 33:18 - God's Care for the Righteous")). Thus, verse 2 serves as the practical gateway to a deep theological reflection on God's majesty, emphasizing that the response to such truth should be one of active, musical adoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, music was not merely entertainment but an indispensable element of religious life, deeply integrated into temple worship, festive celebrations, and personal devotion. The instruments mentioned in Psalms 33:2—the harp (kinnor) and psaltery (nevel)—were prominent stringed instruments. The kinnor was a lyre, often associated with joy and praise, famously played by King David ([1 Samuel 16:23](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Plays for Saul")). The nevel was likely a larger stringed instrument, possibly a type of lute or harp, often producing a deeper resonance. The "instrument of ten strings" likely refers to a specific type of nevel, indicating a refined and precise musical offering. The use of skilled musicians and specific instruments underscores the cultural value placed on offering the very best in worship, reflecting a holistic approach where art and devotion intertwined.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 33 and the Psalter as a whole. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Instrumental Worship**, explicitly validating and encouraging the use of musical instruments as a means of praising God. This aligns with a rich biblical tradition of instrumental accompaniment to vocal praise, enhancing the expression of devotion. Secondly, it underscores **Joyful and Skillful Praise**, implying that worship should be offered with intentionality, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence, reflecting the psalmist's broader call to "rejoice in the LORD" ([Psalm 33:1](/psalms/33-1 "Psalm 33:1 - Call to Rejoice")). Finally, the mention of multiple instruments suggests a theme of **Comprehensive Devotion**, encouraging the use of all available means and talents to honor God, demonstrating a full-hearted and diverse expression of adoration. This holistic approach to worship resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on offering one's whole self to God, as seen in passages like [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harp (Hebrew, _kinnor'_):** This term refers to a lyre, a stringed instrument typically played with the fingers or a plectrum. The kinnor was a staple in ancient Israelite music, often associated with joyful occasions, prophetic inspiration ([1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - Prophetic Music")), and royal courts, most famously played by King David ([1 Samuel 16:23](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David and Saul")). Its presence here signifies a call to vibrant, melodious praise.
* **Psaltery (Hebrew, _nevel'_):** This was another stringed instrument, often larger than the kinnor and possibly a type of harp or lute. The nevel was also commonly used in temple worship and festive celebrations, often providing a deeper, richer sound than the kinnor. Its inclusion alongside the harp suggests a desire for a full and varied instrumental sound in worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise the LORD with harp:"** This opening clause is a direct imperative, a command to offer praise to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The specific instruction to use the "harp" (kinnor) immediately establishes the active, musical nature of this praise. It implies not just vocal adoration but an accompaniment that enhances and embodies the joyful and reverent spirit of worship.
* **"sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings."** This second clause expands on the previous one, reinforcing the call to musical worship. "Sing unto him" explicitly links vocal praise with instrumental accompaniment. The mention of the "psaltery" (nevel) and specifically "an instrument of ten strings" (likely a particular type or range of nevel) emphasizes the desire for a rich, diverse, and perhaps even technically proficient musical offering. The "ten strings" may denote a fuller range or a more sophisticated instrument, highlighting the intention to offer the best and most complete musical expression to God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Imperative Mood** to issue direct commands for worship, creating a sense of urgency and expectation for active participation. The use of specific musical instruments—**Harp**, **Psaltery**, and **Instrument of ten strings**—functions as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the parts (specific instruments) stand for the whole (instrumental music in general). This also creates vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to envision a scene of vibrant, melodious worship. The listing of multiple instruments also demonstrates a form of **Enumeration**, emphasizing the variety and richness of the musical offering, thereby underscoring the comprehensive nature of the desired praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 33:2 underscores the profound theological truth that worship is an active, multi-sensory response to God's greatness, not merely a passive intellectual assent. It affirms that instrumental music is a legitimate and divinely sanctioned means of expressing adoration, joy, and reverence. This verse teaches that our praise should be intentional, skillful, and comprehensive, utilizing all available gifts and resources to honor God. It reflects the Old Testament's rich tradition of celebratory worship, where music served as a powerful vehicle for communal expression of faith, thanksgiving, and awe before the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The call to praise with instruments is a call to engage fully, bringing our best and most vibrant expressions before the Lord.

* [Psalms 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise with All Instruments")
* [1 Chronicles 15:16](/1_chronicles/15-16 "1 Chronicles 15:16 - David Appoints Musicians")
* [Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 33:2 offers a timeless invitation to engage in worship with intentionality, skill, and joy. It reminds us that our praise should not be perfunctory but a heartfelt offering that utilizes our gifts and resources to honor God. Whether we are musicians, singers, or listeners, this verse encourages us to appreciate and participate in the beauty of musical worship, recognizing its power to express truths and emotions that words alone might not capture. It challenges us to consider how we can offer our "best" in worship, not just in terms of musical excellence, but in the sincerity of our hearts and the depth of our devotion. Our worship should be a vibrant, active response to God's character and deeds, reflecting the same passion and dedication exemplified by the ancient Israelites.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific mention of instruments in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of worship today?**
* **In what ways can you offer your "best" in worship, beyond just musical talent, in your daily life?**
* **How might a more intentional and joyful approach to worship deepen your personal relationship with God and your communal experience of faith?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that instrumental music is mandatory for Christian worship today?**

Answer: While Psalms 33:2 clearly affirms the value and legitimacy of instrumental music in worship within the ancient Israelite context, it does not establish it as a universal, mandatory requirement for Christian worship in all times and places. The New Testament emphasizes worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")) and encourages singing "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" ([Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Singing in Worship")), often without explicit mention of instruments. Therefore, while instrumental music is a beautiful and biblical way to express praise, as seen throughout the Psalms and in the Old Testament temple worship, its presence or absence in Christian worship is often a matter of tradition, cultural context, and theological conviction within different denominations. The core message remains the call to heartfelt, joyful, and intentional praise of God, whether accompanied by instruments or not.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 33:2 is an Old Testament call to praise, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. The joyful and skillful praise with instruments foreshadows the perfect worship offered by Jesus, the ultimate worshiper, and the new song sung by the redeemed in heaven. Christ himself is the embodiment of the "new song" that the psalmist often alludes to, as He perfectly glorifies God through His life, death, and resurrection ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song of the Lamb")). In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from external forms and specific instruments to the internal reality of worship "in spirit and truth," made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Our praise, whether vocal or instrumental, becomes a response to God's ultimate act of love in sending His Son, and it is offered through Christ, by whom we "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). Thus, Psalms 33:2 invites us to join the heavenly chorus, praising the LORD with all our being, in anticipation of the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")).

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 150:3

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

Psalms 150:6

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 98:4

¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalms 98:5

Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

Psalms 144:9

¶ 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.

Exodus 15:20

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

1 Chronicles 15:16

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.