Psalms 92:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Upon an instrument of ten strings {H6218}, and upon the psaltery {H5035}; upon the harp {H3658} with a solemn sound {H1902}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to the music of a ten-stringed [harp] and a lute, with the melody sounding on a lyre.

Berean Standard Bible

with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/92-1-2 "Psalm 92:1-2 - A Call to Praise and Thanksgiving")). 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](/psalms/92-2 "Psalm 92:2 - Proclaiming God's Faithfulness"), 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](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law"). 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
* **Instrument of ten strings (Hebrew, _ʻâsôwr'_):** 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.
* **Psaltery (Hebrew, _nebel'_):** 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.
* **Solemn sound (Hebrew, _higgâyôwn'_):** 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.

* [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3-5 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise with All Instruments")
* [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Musicians for Temple Worship")
* [Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Singing and Making Melody in Your Heart")

### 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
* **How does the variety of instruments and the concept of a "solemn sound" in Psalm 92:3 challenge or affirm your current understanding and practice of worship?**
* **In what specific ways can your personal or communal worship incorporate both joyful exuberance and the "solemn sound" of deep contemplation and reverence?**
* **What "instruments" (e.g., talents, resources, time, spiritual gifts, life circumstances) has God given you to use in His praise, and how can you offer them with greater intentionality and skill in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "instrument of ten strings" specifically?**

Answer: 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](/psalms/33-2-3 "Psalm 33:2-3 - Praise with Skillful Instruments").

**What does "solemn sound" (higgaion) truly mean in this context?**

Answer: 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](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - Higgaion as a Musical Interlude"), it appears as a musical notation, suggesting a pause for reflection or a particular musical emphasis. In [Psalms 92:3](/psalms/92-3 "Psalm 92:3 - Instruments of Praise"), 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?**

Answer: 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](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem"). 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](/psalms/92-3 "Psalm 92:3 - Instruments of Praise") 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](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple") in whom God dwells, the very embodiment of God's presence among His people. He is also the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who offered Himself as the [perfect and final sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") for sin, forever reconciling humanity to God. Our worship now, empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Intercedes"), is a spiritual offering—a "sacrifice of praise" from our lips that acknowledge His name ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A Sacrifice of Praise")). Just as the "solemn sound" of the harp invited meditation, believers are called to worship [in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - 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](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb") and has redeemed us by His blood ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song")). 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.

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 33:2

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

2 Chronicles 23:5

And a third part [shall be] at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people [shall be] in the courts of the house of the LORD.

Nehemiah 12:27

¶ And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, [with] cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

Psalms 68:25

The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.

1 Chronicles 13:8

And David and all Israel played before God with all [their] might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

1 Samuel 10:5

After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where [is] the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.