Psalms 81:2

KJV

Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H5375}{H8798)} a psalm {H2172}, and bring {H5414}{H8798)} hither the timbrel {H8596}, the pleasant {H5273} harp {H3658} with the psaltery {H5035}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Start the music! Beat the drum! Play the sweet lyre and the lute!

Berean Standard Bible

Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.

American Standard Version

Raise a song, and bring hither the timbrel, The pleasant harp with the psaltery.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 81:2 issues a vibrant and direct call to communal musical worship, urging the assembly of Israel to engage actively in praise to God with specific instruments. This verse sets a joyous and celebratory tone, inviting the people to participate wholeheartedly in the liturgical practices characteristic of ancient Israelite festivals, where music served as a central expression of devotion and remembrance of God's mighty acts, establishing an atmosphere of lively adoration before God's subsequent address to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 81:2 is an integral part of an introductory exhortation to worship that opens Psalm 81. The psalm begins with an emphatic command to "Sing aloud unto God our strength" in [Psalms 81:1](/psalms/81-1 "Psalm 81:1 - Call to Sing Aloud"), immediately establishing a theme of robust and joyful praise. This initial call to musical worship in verse 2, specifying instruments, then transitions into a description of the occasion for such celebration in [Psalms 81:3-4](/psalms/81-3-4 "Psalm 81:3-4 - Feast Days and Statutes"), which mentions the new moon and solemn feast days, indicating a specific liturgical setting. The psalm then shifts dramatically from a communal call to worship to a divine oracle, where God addresses Israel directly, recounting His deliverance from Egypt and lamenting their disobedience, as seen in [Psalms 81:6-16](/psalms/81-6-16 "Psalm 81:6-16 - God's Lament and Promise"). Thus, the musical invitation of verse 2 serves as the prelude to a profound divine-human encounter, setting the atmosphere for both remembrance and rebuke.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalm 81 is widely understood to be a liturgical psalm, likely composed for one of Israel's major pilgrim festivals, such as the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) or Passover, as suggested by the references to the new moon and appointed feasts in [Psalms 81:3-4](/psalms/81-3-4 "Psalm 81:3-4 - Feast Days and Statutes"). These festivals were times of national remembrance, communal gathering, and joyous celebration of God's covenant faithfulness and His mighty acts, especially the Exodus from Egypt. Music played a foundational role in Israelite worship, not merely as entertainment but as a divinely ordained means of expressing reverence, gratitude, and communal identity. Instruments like the timbrel, harp, and psaltery were common in both temple worship and popular celebrations, reflecting a culture where music was deeply interwoven with spiritual life and national identity, often accompanying dancing and processions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalm 81 and the broader Psalter. The most prominent theme is **Worship Through Music**, emphasizing the active and enthusiastic use of instruments and song as a primary means of praising God. This is not passive observation but an invitation to participate fully, aligning with the broader call to [praise the Lord with musical instruments](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - Praise the Lord with All Instruments"). Another crucial theme is **Joyful Praise**, highlighted by the "pleasant" quality of the instruments and the celebratory nature implied by the timbrel, suggesting that worship should be a delightful and uplifting experience, aligning with the call to [serve the Lord with gladness](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness"). Furthermore, the command "bring hither" underscores **Communal Engagement**, indicating that worship is a collective act, encouraging the entire community to join in the musical offering. This collective remembrance through music served to reinforce Israel's covenant relationship with God and their shared history of divine deliverance, a theme central to the entire psalm, as God reminds them of His saving acts from [the land of Egypt](/psalms/81-10 "Psalm 81:10 - God's Deliverance from Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **psalm (Hebrew, _zimrâh'_):** From H2172, this word refers to a musical piece or song to be accompanied by an instrument, a melody, or a psalm. Its inclusion here emphasizes the vocal component of worship, suggesting a structured song or hymn that is to be "taken" or presented. It highlights that the praise offered is not merely spontaneous but a deliberate, often pre-composed, offering of melody and lyrics.
* **timbrel (Hebrew, _tôph'_):** From H8596, this designates a tambourine or hand drum. The _tôph_ was typically played by women and often associated with spontaneous, joyful celebration, dancing, and processions, as seen when [Miriam led the women in song and dance](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam's Song and Dance") after the crossing of the Red Sea. Its presence here suggests a lively, percussive element in worship, adding rhythmic energy and an uninhibited expression of joy.
* **harp (Hebrew, _kinnôwr'_):** From H3658, this refers to a harp or lyre, a stringed instrument widely used in Israelite worship. It is famously associated with King David, who played it to [soothe Saul](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Playing the Harp for Saul") and used it in prophetic contexts. The accompanying adjective "pleasant" (H5273, _nâʻîym'_), meaning "delightful" or "sweet," emphasizes the aesthetic and melodious quality of the music, suggesting that worship should be pleasing not only to God but also to the worshiper's ear, fostering an atmosphere of beauty and reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take a psalm":** This is an imperative command, directed at the assembled community, to initiate vocal praise. It signifies the commencement of a worship service or festival, where the people are to actively "raise a song" or "set forth a melody" as an act of devotion. This phrase emphasizes the intentional and communal nature of the vocal offering, preceding or accompanying the instrumental music. The verb "take" (H5375, _nâsâʼ'_), meaning to lift or bear, implies an active carrying forth or presenting of the song.
* **"and bring hither the timbrel":** This clause continues the imperative, instructing the participants to bring forward the _tôph_, a percussive instrument. The act of "bringing hither" (H5414, _nâthan'_), literally "give here" or "place here," implies a collective gathering and presentation of instruments for the purpose of worship, highlighting the physical and active involvement of the community in the musical celebration. The timbrel adds a joyful, rhythmic element, often associated with dancing and uninhibited praise.
* **"the pleasant harp with the psaltery":** This final clause specifies two more stringed instruments, the _kinnôwr_ (harp) and the _nebel_ (psaltery), both known for their melodic qualities. The description of the harp as "pleasant" (H5273, _nâʻîym'_), underscores the beauty and aesthetic quality desired in worship music. The pairing of these instruments indicates a desire for a rich, harmonious, and varied musical accompaniment, ensuring that the praise offered is comprehensive, beautiful, and engaging to all the senses, contributing to a full and vibrant orchestration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 81:2 employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Imperative Verbs** ("Take," "bring hither"), which create a direct, urgent, and commanding tone, compelling the audience to immediate action and active participation in worship. This direct address underscores the non-negotiable nature of the call to praise. **Enumeration** is also evident in the listing of specific musical instruments (timbrel, harp, psaltery), which provides concrete imagery and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the desired musical accompaniment. This detailed listing suggests a full and vibrant orchestration, inviting a rich tapestry of sound. Furthermore, the phrase "pleasant harp" utilizes **Sensory Imagery**, appealing to the auditory sense and highlighting the aesthetic beauty and delightful quality of the music intended for God's praise. This evokes a sense of joy and beauty, inviting the worshiper into an experience that is both spiritually profound and aesthetically pleasing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 81:2 underscores the profound theological truth that worship is not merely an option but a divine command and an essential aspect of humanity's relationship with God. It reveals God's desire for His people to engage with Him holistically—with their voices, instruments, and entire being—in joyous celebration of His character and deeds. This call to musical worship is deeply rooted in the Old Testament's understanding of praise as a response to God's covenant faithfulness and His mighty acts of deliverance, particularly the Exodus. The specific mention of instruments emphasizes that worship should be vibrant, diverse, and intentional, reflecting the multifaceted glory of God. It also connects to the idea that music facilitates communal unity and remembrance, binding the people together in their shared faith and history, fostering a collective identity centered on their divine deliverer.

* [Psalms 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3-5 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise with All Instruments")
* [2 Samuel 6:5](/2_samuel/6-5 "2 Samuel 6:5 - David and All Israel Playing Music Before the Lord")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 81:2 offers a timeless invitation for believers today to engage in worship with enthusiasm, intentionality, and a full expression of joy. It challenges us to move beyond passive observation and to actively participate in communal praise, whether through singing, playing instruments, or simply offering our hearts in adoration. The diversity of instruments mentioned reminds us that God delights in varied expressions of worship, encouraging us to embrace different forms and styles that genuinely glorify Him, recognizing that our creativity in worship is a reflection of His own. More profoundly, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of gladness in our worship, recognizing that praise is not a burdensome duty but a joyful response to God's goodness and His saving acts in our lives. It encourages us to bring our best, our most pleasant, and our most heartfelt offerings to Him, reflecting the depth of our gratitude and love, and fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal and communal worship reflect the "pleasant" and active engagement described in Psalms 81:2?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally use my gifts and resources (voice, instruments, time) to offer vibrant praise to God?**
* **How does the call to "take a psalm" encourage me to be more mindful and prepared in my approach to worship?**
* **What role does joy play in my worship, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of gladness in God's presence?**

### FAQ
**Why are specific instruments mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of the timbrel, harp, and psaltery is significant because it highlights the importance of instrumental music in ancient Israelite worship and festival celebrations. These instruments were common in the culture and served distinct purposes: the timbrel (a hand drum, _tôph_) provided rhythmic energy and was often associated with joyful dancing; the harp (_kinnôwr_) was a melodic stringed instrument known for its soothing and worshipful qualities, famously played by [King David](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David's Harp Playing"); and the psaltery (_nebel_), another stringed instrument, contributed to the rich harmonic texture. Their inclusion underscores the call for a full, diverse, and aesthetically pleasing musical offering to God, demonstrating that worship should engage all senses and expressions of joy. It also suggests that the worship was intended to be robust and comprehensive, not limited to vocal praise alone, aligning with the broader biblical call to [praise the Lord with all kinds of instruments](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3 - Praise with Instruments").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 81:2 is a direct call to Old Testament worship, its spirit finds profound fulfillment in Christ. Jesus himself is the ultimate "psalm" or "song" of God, the Word made flesh, through whom all true worship is offered and made acceptable to the Father. He is the one who enables a "new song" of redemption, a song that celebrates not just deliverance from Egypt but deliverance from sin and death through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, as prophesied in [Isaiah 42:10](/isaiah/42-10 "Isaiah 42:10 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"). The joyful, communal, and instrumental worship envisioned in Psalms 81:2 foreshadows the exuberant praise of the redeemed in the New Covenant, who worship in "spirit and truth" because of the finished work of Christ ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The instruments and voices of old now find their ultimate expression in the heavenly chorus, where the Lamb of God is praised for His worthiness to receive honor and glory ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song for the Lamb")). Our worship today, whether vocal or instrumental, is a participation in this eternal song, a response to the ultimate "pleasant harp" of redemption played by Christ, who has made us a kingdom of priests to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")).

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 92:3

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

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.

Psalms 149:1

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

Psalms 149:3

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Mark 14:26

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

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.