Psalms 71:22

KJV

I will also praise thee with the psaltery, [even] thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also praise {H3034}{H8686)} thee with the psaltery {H3627}{H8676)}{H5035}, even thy truth {H571}, O my God {H430}: unto thee will I sing {H2167}{H8762)} with the harp {H3658}, O thou Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for me, I will praise you with a lyre for your faithfulness, my God. I will sing praises to you with a lute, Holy One of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

I will also praise thee with the psaltery, Even thy truth, O my God: Unto thee will I sing praises with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:22 is a profound declaration of unwavering praise from a psalmist, likely an aging individual, who commits to worshipping God with musical instruments—the psaltery and the harp. This verse encapsulates a deep, personal devotion, celebrating God's steadfast truth and acknowledging His unique, set-apart holiness as the "Holy One of Israel." It stands as a testament to enduring faith, expressing a resolve to glorify God publicly and personally, regardless of life's circumstances or advancing age, rooted in a lifelong experience of divine faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a poignant prayer of an elderly believer, traditionally attributed to David in his later years, seeking God's deliverance and continued protection amidst adversaries and the frailties of old age. The psalm opens with an earnest plea for refuge and rescue, reflecting a deep reliance on God from youth, as seen in the psalmist's declaration, "For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth" ([Psalm 71:5](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5 - God as the Psalmist's Hope from Youth")). Throughout the psalm, the speaker expresses distress, loneliness, and the taunts of enemies, yet intersperses these laments with confident declarations of trust and anticipated praise. Verse 22, therefore, does not emerge from a place of immediate victory but rather as a resolute commitment to future worship, even while still in the midst of struggle, demonstrating an unshakeable faith in God's character and eventual vindication. It marks a pivot from petition to a confident promise of praise, anticipating God's faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, musical instruments like the psaltery (nevel) and harp (kinnor) were integral to both communal worship in the Temple and private devotion. The use of these instruments was not merely for entertainment but was a profound act of worship, often accompanying prophetic utterances, lamentations, and joyful celebrations. The psaltery, a stringed instrument likely similar to a lute or lyre, and the harp, a lyre often associated with King David himself ([1 Samuel 16:23](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Soothes Saul with Music")), signify a commitment to offering skilled and heartfelt musical praise. The title "Holy One of Israel" (קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, *K'dosh Yisrael*) is a significant descriptor of God, emphasizing His absolute moral purity, transcendence, and His unique covenantal relationship with His chosen people. This title frequently appears in prophetic books, particularly Isaiah, underscoring God's distinctness from humanity and His unwavering righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Psalm 71 and the Psalter as a whole. It highlights the theme of **enduring faith**, demonstrating a commitment to worship that spans a lifetime, undeterred by age or adversity, reflecting the psalmist's lifelong reliance on God from youth ([Psalm 71:5](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5 - God as the Psalmist's Hope from Youth")). The emphasis on "thy truth" underscores God's **unwavering faithfulness and reliability**, which serves as the bedrock of the believer's trust and worship. This truth refers to God's consistent character and His active demonstration of His promises, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 33:4](/psalms/33-4 "Psalm 33:4 - The Word of the Lord is Upright and True"). Furthermore, addressing God as the "Holy One of Israel" brings forth the theme of **God's absolute holiness and transcendence**, emphasizing His moral perfection and His unique, set-apart nature, which commands reverence and adoration. This title, prominent in prophetic literature, as seen in [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God Exalted as Holy"), highlights God's distinctness and majesty. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **heartfelt and intentional worship**, where the use of musical instruments symbolizes a joyful and comprehensive offering of praise, engaging both skill and spirit in glorifying God for who He is.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Psaltery (נֵבֶל, _nevel_) and Harp (כִּנּוֹר, _kinnor_):** These two stringed instruments were central to Israelite worship and personal devotion. The _nevel_ (psaltery) was likely a large, portable lyre or lute, producing a deep, resonant sound, while the _kinnor_ (harp) was a smaller, handheld lyre, often associated with joyful praise and King David's musical prowess. Their mention together signifies a full-bodied, intentional, and skilled musical offering of praise, indicating that the psalmist intends to engage fully in worship, using the best means available to express devotion. It underscores that worship is not merely internal thought but an outward, tangible expression.
* **Thy Truth (אֲמִתֶּךָ, _amitteka_):** This Hebrew word denotes God's faithfulness, steadfastness, and reliability. It speaks to the unwavering consistency of God's character and His promises. The psalmist praises God not for a fleeting emotion or a temporary act, but for His inherent and unchanging nature—His truth. This truth is the foundation upon which the psalmist's trust and praise are built; it is the assurance that God will indeed deliver as promised, making the commitment to praise a logical and confident response to a dependable God.
* **Holy One of Israel (קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, _K'dosh Yisrael_):** This is a profound and significant divine title, emphasizing God's absolute moral purity, His transcendence, and His unique covenantal relationship with Israel. The term "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, _qadosh_) signifies being "set apart," distinct, and utterly pure. By addressing God as the "Holy One of Israel," the psalmist acknowledges not only God's inherent sanctity but also His specific, intimate, and covenantal bond with His people. This title evokes reverence, awe, and a profound understanding of God's majesty, providing a deep theological basis for the psalmist's adoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also praise thee with the psaltery,"**: This clause expresses the psalmist's firm resolve and commitment to praise God. The inclusion of "also" suggests that this musical praise is an addition to other forms of worship or a continuation of a lifelong habit. The "psaltery" (nevel) signifies a deliberate, skilled, and outward expression of devotion, indicating that worship is not just internal but involves active, tangible engagement.
* **"[even] thy truth, O my God:"**: The object of the psalmist's praise is specifically God's "truth"—His faithfulness, reliability, and consistency. This highlights that the worship is not arbitrary but grounded in God's unchanging character and His demonstrated integrity. The intimate address "O my God" underscores the personal and relational nature of this praise, flowing from a deep, individual experience of God's trustworthiness.
* **"unto thee will I sing with the harp,"**: This phrase reiterates and reinforces the commitment to musical praise, using a different but complementary instrument, the "harp" (kinnor). The repetition emphasizes the psalmist's earnestness and the comprehensive nature of their intended worship. "Unto thee" further stresses that God alone is the recipient and worthy object of this devotion, reinforcing the monotheistic focus of Israelite worship.
* **"O thou Holy One of Israel."**: This concluding address serves as a powerful theological anchor for the praise. By invoking God as the "Holy One of Israel," the psalmist acknowledges God's unique, set-apart nature, His moral perfection, and His covenant relationship with His people. This title elevates the praise beyond mere gratitude for blessings to profound adoration for God's inherent majesty and sanctity, providing the ultimate reason for worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 71:22 employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse largely repeats and reinforces the sentiment of the first half using different but equivalent terms. "I will also praise thee with the psaltery" is paralleled by "unto thee will I sing with the harp," and "thy truth, O my God" is paralleled by "O thou Holy One of Israel." This repetition emphasizes the psalmist's unwavering commitment to worship and the multifaceted nature of God's character being praised. The use of "psaltery" and "harp" can also be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the instruments stand in for the act of musical worship itself, representing the full expression of heartfelt praise. Furthermore, the direct address "O my God" and "O thou Holy One of Israel" exemplifies **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device where the speaker directly addresses an absent person or a personified object, in this case, God, making the declaration of praise deeply personal and immediate. The instruments themselves carry **Symbolism**, representing joy, celebration, and dedicated devotion in ancient Israelite culture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:22 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of enduring worship. It teaches that praise is not merely a response to favorable circumstances but a resolute commitment rooted in God's unchanging character. The psalmist's focus on God's "truth" (faithfulness) and His identity as the "Holy One of Israel" highlights that genuine worship is fundamentally about acknowledging *who God is*—His integrity, reliability, and absolute purity—rather than solely what He does. This commitment to praise with instruments, even in old age and amidst trials, underscores the idea that worship is a lifelong, active, and holistic response to a God who remains faithful and holy through all seasons of life. It calls believers to a deep, personal, and public expression of adoration, recognizing God's transcendent majesty and His intimate covenantal relationship with His people.
* [Psalm 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Call to Praise God with All Instruments")
* [Psalm 33:4](/psalms/33-4 "Psalm 33:4 - The Word of the Lord is Upright and True")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Seraphim Proclaiming God's Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:22 serves as a powerful encouragement for believers today to cultivate a lifestyle of unwavering worship, regardless of age, circumstance, or personal trials. The psalmist's commitment to praise God with instruments, acknowledging His truth and holiness, challenges us to engage our whole being—our skills, our voices, our very lives—in acts of devotion. It reminds us that our praise should be grounded not in fleeting emotions or temporary blessings, but in the immutable character of God: His faithfulness, His integrity, and His absolute holiness. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial gratitude to a deeper, more profound adoration for *who God is*, fostering a resilient faith that finds expression in praise even when life is difficult. It inspires us to make worship a lifelong journey, a consistent declaration of God's worthiness, and a public testimony to His enduring truth and sanctity in a world that desperately needs to see and hear His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's commitment to praise in old age challenge my own approach to worship during difficult or changing seasons of life?**
* **In what tangible ways can I, like the psalmist with his instruments, use my unique gifts and abilities to express heartfelt praise to God?**
* **How does meditating on God's "truth" (His faithfulness and reliability) strengthen my resolve to worship Him, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**
* **What does it mean to praise God as the "Holy One of Israel" in my daily life, and how does this understanding deepen my reverence and adoration for Him?**

### FAQ

**Why are musical instruments specifically mentioned in this verse, and what is their significance in worship?**

Answer: The mention of the psaltery (_nevel_) and harp (_kinnor_) in Psalms 71:22 is highly significant, reflecting the rich tradition of musical worship in ancient Israel. These instruments were not merely for entertainment but were integral to both communal temple worship and private devotion, symbolizing a joyful, intentional, and skilled offering of praise. Their inclusion underscores that worship is a holistic activity, engaging not only the spirit and mind but also physical actions and artistic expression. The psalmist's commitment to use these instruments, even in old age, signifies a desire to offer the best and most vibrant praise possible. It highlights that worship can be a dynamic, expressive act, using all available means to glorify God. This aligns with the broader biblical call to praise God with various instruments, as seen throughout the Psalter, culminating in the grand symphony of praise envisioned in [Psalm 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Call to Praise God with All Instruments"), where every instrument and breath is called to praise the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:22, with its focus on praising God for His truth and holiness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's truth, declaring Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, God's faithfulness and reliability are perfectly revealed and eternally secured. Furthermore, Jesus is recognized throughout the New Testament as the "Holy One of God" ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - The Holy One of God")), the perfectly pure and set-apart Son, whose resurrection was a testament to His incorruptible holiness ([Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Acts 2:27 - Peter's Sermon on the Holy One")). Our praise, therefore, is not merely directed to a distant deity but is offered through and to the One who perfectly reveals God's character. In Christ, our worship transcends the physical instruments of old, becoming a "sacrifice of praise" offered continually through Him ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering a Sacrifice of Praise")), expressed in "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" ([Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to One Another in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs")). The psalmist's resolve to praise God for His truth and holiness foreshadows the new song of redemption sung by the redeemed, who worship the Lamb for His ultimate act of truth and holiness in saving humanity ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of Redemption")).

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

2 Kings 19:22

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy [One] of Israel.

Psalms 92:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

Psalms 92:3

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

Psalms 33:2

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

Psalms 89:18

For the LORD [is] our defence; and the Holy One of Israel [is] our king.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.