Psalms 71:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 71:22
22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
Chapter Context
Psalms 71 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, hope, faith. 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 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 71:22
22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
Analysis
I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. David vows instrumental and vocal worship in response to anticipated deliverance and comfort. "Psaltery" (נֶבֶל/nevel) was a stringed instrument, possibly lyre or harp. "Harp" (כִּנּוֹר/kinnor) was another stringed instrument David famously played (1 Samuel 16:23). The doubling of instruments emphasizes enthusiasm and comprehensiveness of praise—full orchestration befitting God's glory.
"Even thy truth" (אֲמִתְּךָ/amittekha) identifies the focus of praise. Emet (truth/faithfulness) encompasses reliability, trustworthiness, and covenant faithfulness. David will praise specifically God's proven truth—His faithful fulfillment of promises over decades of life. This isn't abstract praise but testimony-based worship rooted in experienced reality.
"O thou Holy One of Israel" (קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל/Qedosh Yisrael) is Isaiah's favorite title for God, appearing 25 times in Isaiah and rarely elsewhere. It combines transcendence (holiness/separateness) with covenant relationship (Israel's God). God is infinitely above His people yet bound to them in covenant love.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's worship was richly musical. The Levitical choir and orchestra included various stringed, wind, and percussion instruments (1 Chronicles 15:16-24, 25:1-7, 2 Chronicles 29:25-30). David himself organized temple musicians (1 Chronicles 15-16, 23-26), established worship patterns that continued through Israel's history. Psalms were sung with instrumental accompaniment, creating comprehensive sensory worship experience.
The title "Holy One of Israel" emphasizes both God's transcendent holiness and His covenant commitment. He's not generically holy but Israel's Holy One—bound to them despite their sin. Isaiah used this title extensively, particularly in exile contexts where Israel questioned God's faithfulness.
Christian worship continues instrumental and vocal praise tradition, though specific instruments vary culturally. What remains constant is using diverse means—melody, harmony, rhythm, poetry, testimony—to express worship. Paul commands singing "with grace in your hearts to the Lord" using "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19).
Reflection
- How does multi-faceted worship—instrumental, vocal, diverse styles—reflect God's multi-faceted glory?
- What does it mean to praise God's 'truth'—His proven faithfulness—specifically rather than offering generic worship?
- How does the title 'Holy One of Israel' capture both God's transcendence and intimate covenant relationship?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 33:2
- Holy: Psalms 89:18, 2 Kings 19:22, Isaiah 5:16, 5:19, 5:24, 12:6