The psalm begins with a three-verse stanza as a call to joyfully praise the Lord in song. The declaration from the choir goes to the congregation of the righteous in an uplifting melody. Perhaps Apostle Paul was thinking of this psalm as he wrote, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20)
As the instrument of David and the Levites, the lyre (aka “harp” in Hebrew is “kinnor”) was employed in both secular and sacred settings. A popular instrument throughout the Ancient Near East, the lyre was often used to accompany singing. The number of strings on the lyre could vary; its basic shape was rectangular or trapezoidal. The psalm specifies a ten-stringed harp.
The psalm is a happy song that perhaps fulfills the promise made in 7:17. David promised, “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” The psalm is a new song. I am not a genius composer. Yet, I can still write new words and hum a new melody as a praise offering to the Lord.
As a beginner, I will need much repetitive practice to become skilled in praising God. This psalm instructs me to practice until I am skilled in the craft of a musician and a singer. Perhaps, I’ll never be very good to other’s ears. Yet, I should always seek to better my skills so I can present a fragrant offering in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to the Lord God.
