◄ Psalm 71:22 ►
So I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
Study Bible
I will praise You
This phrase is a declaration of worship and adoration directed towards God. The Hebrew root for "praise" is "הלל" (halal), which means to boast or to glorify. In the context of the Psalms, this is a personal commitment to honor God, acknowledging His greatness and sovereignty. Historically, praise was an integral part of Jewish worship, often expressed through music and song in the temple. This phrase sets the tone for a life dedicated to glorifying God, reflecting a heart full of gratitude and reverence.

with the harp
The harp, or "נבל" (nevel) in Hebrew, was a stringed instrument commonly used in ancient Israelite worship. It symbolizes the use of musical instruments to enhance the worship experience, creating an atmosphere of beauty and reverence. The harp's inclusion in this verse underscores the importance of music in expressing devotion and the arts as a means to glorify God. Archaeological findings, such as depictions of harps in ancient artifacts, confirm their significance in biblical times.

for Your faithfulness
Faithfulness, from the Hebrew "אמונה" (emunah), refers to God's steadfastness and reliability. This attribute of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, highlighting His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. The psalmist's praise is rooted in the recognition of God's consistent and trustworthy nature, which provides a foundation for hope and trust. Historically, the faithfulness of God was a source of comfort and assurance for the Israelites, especially during times of trial and uncertainty.

O my God
This phrase is a personal address to God, emphasizing an intimate and personal relationship with the Creator. The use of "my" signifies ownership and a deep, personal connection, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the Hebrew context, "אלוהי" (Elohai) conveys a sense of reverence and awe, acknowledging God's majesty and authority. This personal invocation is a reminder of the closeness and accessibility of God to those who seek Him.

to You I will sing praises
Singing praises, or "זמר" (zamar) in Hebrew, involves making music or singing songs of worship. This act of worship is both a personal and communal expression of adoration, often accompanied by instruments. The psalmist's commitment to sing praises highlights the joy and celebration inherent in worship. Scripturally, singing is a powerful means of proclaiming God's goodness and sharing His works with others, fostering a spirit of unity and encouragement among believers.

with the lyre
The lyre, or "כנור" (kinnor) in Hebrew, is another stringed instrument used in biblical worship. Similar to the harp, the lyre was an essential part of the musical tradition in ancient Israel. Its inclusion in this verse emphasizes the diversity and richness of worship practices, encouraging the use of various gifts and talents to honor God. The lyre's historical and cultural significance is evident in its frequent mention in the Psalms, symbolizing the harmonious blend of music and worship in the life of the believer.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is expressing a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by trust and praise.

2. God
Referred to as "my God" and "Holy One of Israel," emphasizing a personal and covenantal relationship with His people.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often referred to in the Psalms as the recipient of God's faithfulness and holiness.

4. Musical Instruments (Harp and Lyre)
Instruments commonly used in ancient Israelite worship, symbolizing joy and celebration in praising God.

5. Faithfulness of God
A central theme in the psalm, highlighting God's reliability and steadfast love towards His people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Praise
Praise is a vital expression of our relationship with God, acknowledging His faithfulness and holiness.

Using Our Gifts for Worship
Just as the psalmist uses musical instruments, we are encouraged to use our talents and resources to glorify God.

Personal Relationship with God
The psalmist's use of "my God" highlights the personal nature of our faith and the importance of cultivating a personal connection with God.

Recognizing God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness strengthens our trust and encourages us to praise Him in all circumstances.

Worship as a Response to God's Character
Our worship should be a response to who God is—His holiness, faithfulness, and covenantal love.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the psalmist's use of musical instruments in worship inspire you to use your own gifts for God's glory?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a more personal relationship with God, as seen in the psalmist's reference to "my God"?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness. How can this memory encourage you to praise Him today?

4. How does recognizing God as the "Holy One of Israel" impact your understanding of His character and your response in worship?

5. What are some practical ways you can incorporate praise into your daily routine, especially during challenging times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 33:2-3
This passage also emphasizes praising God with musical instruments, reinforcing the theme of worship through music.

Isaiah 43:15
Refers to God as the "Holy One of Israel," connecting the identity of God in both passages.

1 Chronicles 16:23-25
Encourages singing to the Lord and declaring His glory, similar to the psalmist's expression of praise.

Hebrews 13:15
Speaks of offering a sacrifice of praise, which aligns with the psalmist's commitment to praise God.

James 5:13
Encourages those who are cheerful to sing praises, reflecting the psalmist's joyful response to God's faithfulness.
Sermons
A Picture of a Pious Old ManHomilistPsalm 71:1-24
Godly Old AgeW. Forsyth Psalm 71:1-24
The Vow of FaithR. C. Ford, M. A.Psalm 71:1-24
Persistent Hope and Increasing PraiseC. Short Psalm 71:14-24
The Praises of a Hebrew SaintW. Scott Page.Psalm 71:22-24
People
Psalmist, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Faithfulness, Harp, Holy, Instruments, Lyre, Music, O, Praise, Praises, Psalms, Psaltery, Sing, Songs, Thank, Thanks, Truth, Vessel
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 71:22

     1065   God, holiness of
     1205   God, titles of
     5332   harp
     5400   lyre
     5421   musical instruments

Psalm 71:22-24

     7960   singing

Library
December 22. "My Tongue Also Shall Talk of Thy Righteousness all the Day Long" (Ps. Lxxi. 24).
"My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long" (Ps. lxxi. 24). It is a simple law of nature, that air always comes in to fill a vacuum. You can produce a draught at any time, by heating the air until it ascends, and then the cold air rushes in to supply its place. And so we can always be filled with the Holy Spirit by providing a vacuum. This breath is dependent upon exhausting the previous breath before you can inhale a fresh one. And so we must empty our hearts of the last breath …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

More and More
David had not been slack in praise: indeed, he was a sweet singer in Israel, a very choir-master unto the Lord yet he vowed to praise him more and more. Those who do much already, are usually the people who can do more. He was old. Would he praise God more when he was infirm than he had done when he was young and vigorous? If he could not excel with loudness of voice, yet would he with eagerness of heart; and what his praise might lack in sound, it should gain in solemn earnestness. He was in trouble …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of this Life
Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above! Oh most clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth! Day always joyful, always secure and never changing its state into those which are contrary. Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all these temporal things would come to an end. It shineth indeed upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the earth. …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

For Old Age. --Ps. Lxxi.
For Old Age.--Ps. lxxi. Lord, I have put my trust in Thee, Turn not my confidence to shame; Thy promise is a rock to me, A tower of refuge is Thy name. Thou hast upheld me from the womb; Thou wert my strength and hope in youth; Now trembling, bending o'er the tomb, I lean upon Thine arm of truth. Though I have long outlived my peers, And stand amid the world alone, (A stranger left by former years), I know my God,--by Him am known. Cast me not off in mine old age, Forsake me not in my last hour; …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night.
They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which …
St. Augustine—On Patience

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Let Thus Much have Been Said with Regard to Charity...
20. Let thus much have been said with regard to charity, without which in us there cannot be true patience, because in good men it is the love of God which endureth all things, as in bad men the lust of the world. But this love is in us by the Holy Spirit which was given us. Whence, of Whom cometh in us love, of Him cometh patience. But the lust of the world, when it patiently bears the burdens of any manner of calamity, boasts of the strength of its own will, like as of the stupor of disease, not …
St. Augustine—On Patience

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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