TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 92:1–6. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This psalm was appointed to be sung, at least it usually was sung, in the house of the sanctuary on the sabbath day, that day of rest, which was an instituted memorial of the work of creation, of God's rest from that work, and the continuance of it in his providence; for the Father worketh hitherto. Note, 1. The sabbath day must be a day, not only of holy rest, but of holy work, and the rest is in order to the work. 2. The proper work of the sabbath is praising God; every sabbath day must be a thanksgiving-day; and the other services of the day must be in order to this, and therefore must by no means thrust this into a corner. One of the Jewish writers refers it to the kingdom of the Messiah, and calls it, A psalm or song for the age to come, which shall be all sabbath. Believers, through Christ, enjoy that sabbatism which remains for the people of God (Heb 4:9), the beginning of the everlasting sabbath. In these verses,
I.We are called upon and encouraged to praise God (Psa 92:1-3):
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. Praising God is good work: it is good in itself and good for us. It is our duty, the rent, the tribute, we are to pay to our great Lord; we are unjust if we withhold it. It is our privilege that we are admitted to praise God, and have hope to be accepted in it. It is good, for it is pleasant and profitable, work that is its own wages; it is the work of angels, the work of heaven. It is good to give thanks for the mercies we have received, for that is the way of fetching in further mercy: it is fit to sing to his name who is Most High, exalted above all blessing and praise. Now observe here,
1.How we must praise God. We must do it by showing forth his lovingkindness and his faithfulness. Being convinced of his glorious attributes and perfections, we must show them forth, as those that are greatly affected with them ourselves and desire to affect others with them likewise. We must show forth, not only his greatness and majesty, his holiness and justice, which magnify him and strike an awe upon us, but his lovingkindness and his faithfulness; for his goodness is his glory (Exo 33:18, Exo 33:19), and by these he proclaims his name. His mercy and truth are the great supports of our faith and hope, and the great encouragements of our love and obedience; these therefore we must show forth as our pleas in prayer and the matter of our joy. This was then done, not only by singing, but by music joined with it, upon an instrument of ten strings (Psa 92:3); but then it was to be with a solemn sound, not that which was gay, and apt to dissipate the spirits, but that which was grave, and apt to fix them.
2.When we must praise God - in the morning and every night, not only on sabbath days, but every day; it is that which the duty of every day requires. We must praise God, not only in public assemblies, but in secret, and in our families, showing forth, to ourselves and those about us, his lovingkindness and faithfulness. We must begin and end every day with praising God, must give him thanks every morning, when we are fresh and before the business of the day comes in upon us, and every night, when we are again composed and retired, and are recollecting ourselves; we must give him thanks every morning for the mercies of the night and every night for the mercies of the day; going out and coming in we must bless God.
II.We have an example set before us in the psalmist himself, both to move us to and to direct us in this work (Psa 92:4):
Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work. Note, 1. Those can best recommend to others the duty of praise who have themselves experienced the pleasantness of it. "God's works are to be praised, for they have many a time rejoiced my heart; and therefore, whatever others may think of them, I must think well and speak well of them." 2. If God has given us the joy of his works, there is all the reason in the world why we should give him the honour of them. Has he made our hearts glad? Let us then make his praises glorious. Has God made us glad through the works of his providence for us, and of his grace in us, and both through the great work of redemption? (1.) Let us thence fetch encouragement for our faith and hope; so the psalmist does: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. From a joyful remembrance of what God has done for us we may raise a joyful prospect of what he will do, and triumph in the assurance of it, triumph over all opposition, Th2 2:13, Th2 2:14. (2.) Let us thence fetch matter for holy adorings and admirings of God (Psa 92:5): O Lord! how great are thy works - great beyond conception, beyond expression, the products of great power and wisdom, of great consequence and importance! men's works are nothing to them. We cannot comprehend the greatness of God's works, and therefore must reverently and awfully wonder at them, and even stand amazed at the magnificence of them. "Men's works are little and trifling, for their thoughts are shallow; but, Lord, thy works are great and such as cannot be measured; for thy thoughts are very deep and such as cannot be fathomed." God's counsels as much exceed the contrivances of our wisdom as his works do the efforts of our power. His thoughts are above our thoughts, as his ways are above our ways, Isa 55:9. O the depth of God's designs! Rom 11:33. The greatness of God's works should lead us to consider the depth of his thoughts, that counsel of his own will according to which he does all things - what a compass his thoughts fetch and to what a length they reach!
III.We are admonished not to neglect the works of God, by the character of those who do so, Psa 92:6.
Those are fools, they are brutish, who do not know, who do not understand, how great God's works are, who will not acquaint themselves with them, nor give him the glory of them; they regard not the work of the Lord nor consider the operation of his hands (Psa 28:5); particularly, they understand not the meaning of their own prosperity (which is spoken of Psa 92:7); they take it as a pledge of their happiness, whereas it is a preparative for their ruin. If there are so many who know not the designs of Providence, nor care to know them, those who through grace are acquainted with them, and love to be so, have the more reason to be thankful.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Upon a psaltery of ten strings, with a song, and upon the harp" [Psalm 92:3]. You have not heard of the psaltery of ten strings for the first time: it signifies the ten commandments of the Law. But we must sing upon that psaltery, and not carry it only. For even the Jews have the Law: but they carry it: they sing not...."And upon the harp." This means, in word and deed; "with a song," in word; "upon the harp," in work. If you speak words alone, you have, as it were, the song only, and not the harp: if you work, and speakest not, you have the harp only. On this account both speak well and do well, if you would have the song together with the harp.
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Summary
Psalms 92:3 describes the specific musical instruments used in ancient Israelite worship, highlighting the intentionality, variety, and profound depth of praise offered to God. This verse underscores that the celebration of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness involves a rich tapestry of sound, encompassing both the joyful exuberance of stringed instruments and the contemplative reverence conveyed by a "solemn sound," thereby setting a tone for comprehensive and heartfelt adoration on the Sabbath.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 92 is uniquely titled "A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day," immediately establishing its liturgical purpose for communal worship on the day of rest. The psalm begins with an earnest and enthusiastic call to praise God, declaring His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness at night (Psalms 92:1-2). Verse 3 then transitions to detail the specific musical instruments suitable for such profound and joyful worship, providing the means by which the declarations of God's character are made manifest. This sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent themes, which contrast the flourishing of the righteous with the ultimate destruction of the wicked, all against the backdrop of God's mighty works and righteous judgments. The instruments are thus integral to the psalm's overarching theme of celebrating God's majesty, justice, and enduring faithfulness through dedicated and artful praise.
Historical & Cultural Context
Music was an indispensable and highly organized component of ancient Israelite worship, particularly within the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The instruments mentioned in this verse—the "instrument of ten strings" (likely a specialized lyre or lute), the "psaltery" (a broader term for a stringed instrument, often a large lyre or harp), and the "harp" (a smaller, more common lyre)—were prevalent in the ancient Near East and held significant roles in sacred contexts within Israel. The Sabbath setting implies a structured, communal assembly where the people gathered not only to rest from labor but also to reflect deeply on God's creation, covenant, and redemptive acts. The inclusion of "with a solemn sound" (higgaion) is particularly revealing, suggesting that Israelite worship was not solely characterized by boisterous celebration but also incorporated moments of deep contemplation, reverence, and meditative musical interludes, reflecting the full spectrum of human response to the divine.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within Psalm 92 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights Worship as an Artful Offering, emphasizing that praise to God is not merely spontaneous but involves skill, preparation, and diverse musical expression. The specific mention of instruments underscores the value of offering one's best in worship. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of Thanksgiving and Praise as the central activity of the faithful, providing the tangible means by which the declarations of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, as proclaimed in Psalms 92:2, are made manifest. Thirdly, the crucial phrase "with a solemn sound" introduces the theme of Contemplative Worship, suggesting that true praise encompasses both exuberant joy in God's works and profound, meditative reflection on His character and majesty. This depth of worship is further explored throughout the Psalter, where calls to praise are often intertwined with invitations to meditate on God's law and deeds, as seen in Psalm 1:2. Finally, in the context of the Sabbath, it links musical worship to the theme of Holy Rest and Reflection, where the instruments facilitate a deeper engagement with God's presence and His eternal truths, allowing the worshiper to enter into a state of spiritual repose and adoration.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H6218) specifically refers to a "decachord," an instrument with ten strings. Derived from the word for "ten," it signifies a particular type of stringed instrument, likely a lyre or lute, distinguished by its specific number of strings. Its mention emphasizes a deliberate choice of instrument designed to produce a full, rich, and possibly comprehensive range of sound, highlighting the intentionality and quality of musical offering desired in worship. It suggests a more complex or complete sound than a simpler instrument.
The word nebel (H5035) refers to a stringed instrument, often translated as a lyre or harp, but its root meaning points to a "skin-bag" or "vase," suggesting a resonant body. It was typically a larger instrument than the kinnor (harp), possibly played upright, and known for its deep, resonant tones. Its inclusion alongside the "instrument of ten strings" and the "harp" signifies the variety and richness of stringed instruments employed to create a layered and majestic soundscape for divine praise.
This crucial term (H1902) is an intensive form from a root meaning "to murmur" or "to meditate." It denotes a deep, resonant musical tone, a meditative melody, or a thoughtful murmuring. It can also function as a musical notation, indicating a pause for reflection or a specific musical interlude designed to evoke contemplation and solemnity. In the context of worship, higgâyôwn suggests that the praise was not merely boisterous or exuberant but included a profound dimension of contemplation, reverence, and spiritual reflection, adding a significant layer of introspection and depth to the musical offering.
Verse Breakdown
"Upon an instrument of ten strings"
This opening phrase introduces the first specific musical instrument, emphasizing its particular design with ten strings. This detail suggests a sophisticated and full sound, indicating that the worship was to be offered with intentionality and a high degree of musical quality. It points to the dedication of specific, well-crafted instruments for divine praise, signifying an offering of excellence to God.
"and upon the psaltery"
This clause introduces a second distinct stringed instrument, the psaltery (nebel). Its inclusion alongside the "instrument of ten strings" further emphasizes the variety and richness of the musical accompaniment. This diversity allowed for complex harmonies and a fuller, more resonant sound, enhancing the celebratory and reverent atmosphere of worship and demonstrating the breadth of musical expression devoted to God.
"upon the harp with a solemn sound"
The final clause brings in the familiar harp (kinnor), but crucially qualifies its use with "with a solemn sound" (higgâyôwn). This qualification is vital, indicating that the praise was not exclusively joyful or exuberant. Instead, it also encompassed a dimension of deep meditation, thoughtful reverence, and perhaps a specific musical interlude designed to evoke contemplation and introspection. This phrase highlights the multifaceted nature of worship, embracing both exultation and profound spiritual reflection, ensuring that the heart and mind are fully engaged.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Enumeration and Listing by itemizing specific musical instruments. This technique serves to emphasize the richness, variety, and fullness of the soundscape dedicated to God's praise. The progression from the "instrument of ten strings" to the "psaltery" and then the "harp" creates a sense of building or accumulating musical texture, suggesting a comprehensive and elaborate act of worship. Furthermore, there is an implicit Symbolism at play; the instruments themselves symbolize the act of worship, and their diverse forms represent the multifaceted ways in which praise can be offered, encompassing various emotions and expressions. The addition of "with a solemn sound" adds a symbolic layer of spiritual depth, indicating that worship is not merely an external act but also involves internal contemplation, reverence, and profound engagement with the divine. The very act of naming specific instruments also serves as a form of Imagery, allowing the reader to visualize and almost hear the vibrant sounds of ancient Israelite worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 92:3 profoundly illustrates that worship is a multifaceted, intentional, and skilled act, not merely spontaneous expression. It emphasizes that God delights in diverse and artful expressions of praise, encompassing both exuberant joy and deep, meditative reflection. This aligns with the biblical principle that all of creation, in its vast diversity, is called to praise God, and humanity, as His image-bearers, is to lead this chorus with their utmost skill and devotion. The use of specific instruments underscores the value of offering our best and most prepared gifts in service to the Lord, recognizing that true worship engages the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in a holistic response to God's greatness and faithfulness. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our praise should be rich, varied, and offered with both heartfelt emotion and thoughtful reverence.
Reflection and Application
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our worship, whether personal or corporate, should be intentional, diverse, and offered with excellence. It challenges us to consider the quality of our praise, not in terms of perfect performance, but in terms of offering our best—our talents, our time, and our wholehearted devotion—to God. The mention of various instruments and the "solemn sound" encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of worship: from exuberant celebration of God's mighty acts to profound, quiet contemplation of His character and presence. It calls us to engage all our faculties in worship, allowing for both joyful expression and deep reverence, recognizing that true adoration flows from a heart fully devoted to God and reflects His multifaceted glory. Our worship should be a holistic response that engages our intellect, emotions, and will, reflecting the depth and breadth of God's own character.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "instrument of ten strings" specifically?
The "instrument of ten strings" (Hebrew: nevel asor, from H6218 ʻâsôwr) is a specific type of stringed instrument, likely a lute or lyre, distinguished by having ten strings. Its specific mention, rather than a generic term, highlights intentionality and a particular quality of sound. The number "ten" often symbolizes completeness or fullness in biblical contexts, suggesting a rich, comprehensive sound. This detail emphasizes that the musical praise offered to God was not haphazard but carefully chosen and executed, reflecting a desire to offer the best and most complete expression of worship, a theme echoed in other psalms that call for new songs and skillful playing, such as Psalm 33:2-3.
What does "solemn sound" (higgaion) truly mean in this context?
The Hebrew word higgâyôwn (H1902) is rich in meaning, derived from a root that implies murmuring or meditation. It can refer to a deep, resonant musical tone, a meditative melody, a thoughtful murmuring, or even a specific musical interlude. In Psalms 9:16, it appears as a musical notation, suggesting a pause for reflection or a particular musical emphasis. In Psalms 92:3, it implies that the worship was not solely boisterous or celebratory but also included a dimension of profound contemplation, reverence, and spiritual reflection. It adds depth and introspection to the praise, ensuring that the musical offering was not just external noise but also an expression of inner devotion and meditation on God's character and works, inviting the worshiper into a deeper spiritual engagement.
Why are specific instruments mentioned instead of a general statement about music?
The specific mention of instruments underscores the intentionality, skill, and richness desired in worship. It indicates that the praise offered to God was not merely about making noise but about producing a diverse, well-orchestrated, and artful soundscape. This reflects the reality of Israelite temple worship, which involved professional musicians and a variety of instruments, as seen in passages like 1 Chronicles 15. By detailing the instruments, the verse emphasizes that the best and most artful expressions were dedicated to God, highlighting the value placed on quality and diversity in sacred music as a means of glorifying the Lord. It teaches us that God desires not just our praise, but our best praise, offered with skill and intentionality.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The rich and diverse musical worship described in Psalms 92:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple worship, with its physical instruments and Levitical priests, was a shadow, Christ is the substance. He is the true Temple in whom God dwells, the very embodiment of God's presence among His people. He is also the Great High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin, forever reconciling humanity to God. Our worship now, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a spiritual offering—a "sacrifice of praise" from our lips that acknowledge His name (Hebrews 13:15). Just as the "solemn sound" of the harp invited meditation, believers are called to worship in spirit and truth, reflecting deeply on the person and finished work of Christ, whose sacrifice opened the way to the Father. The variety of instruments in the Psalm points to the multifaceted glory of God now fully revealed in Christ, inviting all peoples, tribes, and tongues to unite in glorifying the Lamb who was slain and has redeemed us by His blood (Revelation 5:9-10). Our lives, lived in obedience, gratitude, and mission, become a continuous symphony of praise to Him, a spiritual worship that transcends physical instruments and fills every aspect of our existence with His glory.