Psalms 57:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 57:8
8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
Chapter Context
Psalms 57 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, obedience, salvation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-11: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 57:8
8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
Analysis
David's self-exhortation 'Awake up, my glory' addresses his soul/spirit, calling it to praise. The Hebrew 'kabod' (glory) here likely means his innermost being or possibly his tongue as the instrument of praise. Awakening the psaltery and harp demonstrates that worship engages creation's beauty—musical instruments—to glorify the Creator. 'I myself will awake early' indicates priority and discipline in praise.
Historical Context
The psaltery and harp were standard temple instruments, indicating David's composition for liturgical use. David's musical skill (1 Samuel 16:16-23) made him Israel's chief worship leader, establishing patterns for temple worship under Solomon.
Reflection
- How does self-exhortation to praise function when emotions resist worship?
- What role should beauty and artistic excellence play in corporate worship?
Word Studies
- Glory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod) H3519 - Glory, weight, honor
Cross-References
- Glory: Psalms 16:9, 30:12
- Parallel theme: Psalms 150:3, Judges 5:12, Isaiah 52:1, 52:9, Acts 2:26