Psalms 71:22

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Psalms 71:22 (KJV)

Psalm 71:22 is a vibrant declaration of praise from an individual, traditionally understood to be an aging believer, possibly King David, who has experienced God's faithfulness throughout a long life. This verse highlights a commitment to worship God with musical instruments, specifically celebrating His truth and holiness. It's a testament to enduring faith and gratitude, even in the face of life's challenges.

Context

Psalm 71 is a prayer of an elderly person seeking God's deliverance and continued presence in old age. The psalmist expresses deep reliance on God from youth (Psalm 71:5), pleading for rescue from enemies and protection from shame. Amidst these petitions for help and expressions of distress, verse 22 serves as a confident declaration of future praise, reflecting a deep trust in God's character despite present circumstances. It shows the psalmist's resolve to glorify God publicly and personally.

Key Themes

  • Heartfelt Praise and Worship: The verse emphasizes the use of musical instruments—the "psaltery" and the "harp"—as expressions of deep, personal worship. This signifies a joyful and intentional offering of praise to God, engaging both skill and spirit.
  • God's Unwavering Truth: The psalmist praises God specifically for "thy truth." This refers to God's faithfulness, reliability, and consistency with His promises. It's His dependable character that forms the foundation of the believer's worship.
  • The Holiness of God: Addressing God as "O thou Holy One of Israel" underscores His unique, set-apart nature, His moral purity, and His covenant relationship with His people. This title emphasizes His transcendence and majesty, providing a profound reason for reverence and adoration.
  • Lifelong Devotion: Coming from a psalm focused on old age, this verse exemplifies a faith that endures and a commitment to worship that spans a lifetime, regardless of physical or circumstantial limitations.

Linguistic Insights

  • Psaltery (נֵבֶל - nevel) and Harp (כִּנּוֹר - kinnor): These were common stringed instruments in ancient Israel, frequently used in both temple worship and private devotion. The nevel was likely a type of lute or lyre, while the kinnor was a lyre, often associated with David himself (1 Samuel 16:23). Their mention signifies a commitment to offering skilled and heartfelt musical praise.
  • Thy Truth (אֲמִתֶּךָ - amitteka): This Hebrew word signifies God's faithfulness, steadfastness, and reliability. It speaks to the active demonstration of His promises and His consistent character, providing a firm basis for trust and worship.
  • Holy One of Israel (קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל - K'dosh Yisrael): This significant title for God, particularly prominent in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 5:16), emphasizes God's absolute purity, moral perfection, and His unique, covenantal relationship with the nation of Israel. It highlights His transcendence and His distinct nature from humanity.

Practical Application

Psalms 71:22 encourages believers today to engage in active and heartfelt worship. Our praise should not be limited by age or circumstance but should flow from a deep appreciation for God's unchanging character. Just as the psalmist praised God for His truth, we are called to praise Him for His faithfulness, His unwavering promises, and His holy nature. This verse reminds us that genuine worship involves both our spirit and our actions, whether through song, instrumental music, or simply a life lived in devotion to the "Holy One of Israel." It's a call to praise God not just for what He does, but for who He is.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.