Psalms 144:9
I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
unto thee O God
H430
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
unto thee O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּנֵ֥בֶל
upon a psaltery
H5035
בְּנֵ֥בֶל
upon a psaltery
Strong's:
H5035
Word #:
6 of 9
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
עָ֝שׂ֗וֹר
and an instrument of ten strings
H6218
עָ֝שׂ֗וֹר
and an instrument of ten strings
Strong's:
H6218
Word #:
7 of 9
ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord
Cross References
Psalms 40:3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.Psalms 98:1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.Psalms 149:1Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
Historical Context
David was Israel's premier psalmist, authoring roughly half the Psalter. His new songs entered Israel's permanent liturgy, sung at the temple for centuries. This creative act of worship—composing, not just consuming—established a pattern for Christian hymnody and songwriting throughout church history. New mercies demand new songs (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Questions for Reflection
- When was the last time you 'sang a new song' to God—fresh expression from recent experience of His faithfulness—rather than merely repeating familiar lyrics?
- How does the combination of 'new song' and 'instrument of ten strings' balance spontaneity and artistry, heart and skill, in worship?
- What 'new song' will the redeemed sing in heaven (Revelation 5:9), and how does present worship anticipate that eternal chorus?
Analysis & Commentary
I will sing a new song unto thee, O God (שִׁיר חָדָשׁ אָשִׁירָה לְּךָ הָאֱלֹהִים)—Shir chadash (new song) celebrates fresh deliverance, not merely repeating old hymns but composing new praise for new mercies. Seven other psalms mention 'new song' (33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 98:1, 149:1), always in response to God's mighty acts. Upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee (benevel asor azammerah-llakh)—the nevel (harp/lyre) with ten strings for skilled, beautiful worship.
Deliverance produces doxology. David doesn't just thank God privately but composes public, artistic, enduring praise. The 'new song' theme climaxes in Revelation 5:9 and 14:3, where the redeemed sing to the Lamb. Every generation needs new expressions of ancient truth, fresh encounters with the unchanging God yielding new songs.