Psalms 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Original Language Analysis
הַ֭רְנִינוּ
Sing aloud
H7442
הַ֭רְנִינוּ
Sing aloud
Strong's:
H7442
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
לֵאלֹהֵ֥י
unto God
H430
לֵאלֹהֵ֥י
unto God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 6
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
עוּזֵּ֑נוּ
our strength
H5797
עוּזֵּ֑נוּ
our strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
3 of 6
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
make a joyful noise
H7321
הָ֝רִ֗יעוּ
make a joyful noise
Strong's:
H7321
Word #:
4 of 6
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
Cross References
Psalms 66:1Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:Psalms 46:11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Psalms 8:1O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.Jeremiah 31:7For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.Psalms 28:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Historical Context
Asaph (or his guild) wrote this psalm for temple worship, specifically for the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25). This fall festival marked the Jewish new year with trumpet blasts, calling Israel to repentance before the Day of Atonement. The historical memory of deliverance from Egypt (vv. 5-7) grounds festal joy in God's past faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's past deliverances strengthen your worship and trust during present challenges?
- What does it mean for God to be 'our strength' rather than seeking strength in worldly power or self-reliance?
- How can corporate worship (singing aloud together) differ from private devotion in expressing faith?
Analysis & Commentary
Sing aloud unto God our strength (רָנְנוּ לֵאלֹהִים עוּזֵּנוּ)—The imperative rannû ('sing aloud, shout for joy') opens this festal psalm with exuberant worship. Our strength (uzzênû) recalls Exodus 15:2 after the Red Sea deliverance, establishing God as Israel's military might and refuge. Make a joyful noise (harîʿû) means to raise a battle cry or shout of triumph.
This summons to corporate worship begins Psalm 81, likely composed for the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah, v. 3). The dual address—God (Elohim) and God of Jacob—balances universal sovereignty with covenant particularity. Asaph's choir led this celebration, reminding Israel that true strength comes not from military might but from the covenant Lord who fought for them.