Psalm 108:2
Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
Awake
The Hebrew root for "awake" is "עוּר" (ur), which conveys a sense of stirring or rousing from sleep. In the context of worship, this word suggests a call to action, a spiritual awakening that transcends physical slumber. The psalmist is urging not just himself but the instruments of praise to come alive, symbolizing a readiness to engage in worship. This awakening is not passive; it is an active, intentional preparation to glorify God, reflecting a heart that is eager and expectant.

O harp and lyre!
The harp and lyre were stringed instruments commonly used in ancient Israelite worship. Their mention here signifies the beauty and harmony of worship music, which was integral to the spiritual life of the community. Historically, these instruments were associated with joy and celebration, often used in temple worship and royal courts. The psalmist's call to these instruments underscores the importance of music in expressing the depth of human emotion and devotion to God. It is a reminder that worship involves all aspects of our being, including our creative expressions.

I will awaken
The repetition of the concept of awakening emphasizes the psalmist's personal commitment to initiating praise. The phrase "I will awaken" indicates a deliberate choice to rise and engage in worship, setting an example for others. It reflects a proactive stance in one's spiritual life, where the believer takes responsibility for their own worship and devotion. This personal awakening is a call to be spiritually vigilant and responsive to God's presence.

the dawn
The dawn symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and the light of God's presence dispelling darkness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dawn was often associated with divine intervention and the renewal of life. By choosing to awaken the dawn, the psalmist is expressing a desire to start the day with praise, acknowledging God's sovereignty from the very first light. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's call to seek God early and to let His light guide their path throughout the day. It is an invitation to live in the light of God's truth and grace, embracing each new day as a gift from the Creator.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 108, King David, is known for his musical talent and deep devotion to God. He often used music as a form of worship and communication with God.

2. Harp and Lyre
These are musical instruments commonly used in ancient Israelite worship. They symbolize praise and the joyful expression of worship.

3. Dawn
Represents the beginning of a new day, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the opportunity to praise God from the very start of the day.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Worship in Daily Life
Begin each day with praise and worship, setting a tone of gratitude and focus on God.

Using Talents for God's Glory
Like David, use your God-given talents, whether musical or otherwise, to honor and glorify God.

Renewal and Hope with Each New Day
Embrace each morning as a fresh start, an opportunity to renew your commitment to God and His purposes.

Intentionality in Worship
Be intentional about your worship practices, whether through music, prayer, or other forms of devotion, ensuring they are heartfelt and sincere.

Community in Worship
Engage in communal worship, recognizing the power of collective praise and the encouragement it brings to the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can you incorporate the practice of "awakening the dawn" with praise in your daily routine?

2. In what ways can you use your unique talents to glorify God, similar to how David used music?

3. Reflect on a time when starting your day with worship impacted your perspective or actions. How can you make this a consistent practice?

4. How does the concept of God's mercies being new every morning encourage you in your walk with Christ?

5. What role does community play in your worship experience, and how can you foster a deeper sense of communal praise in your church or small group?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 57:8
This verse is similar to Psalm 108:2, where David also calls for his musical instruments to awaken and praises God early in the morning. It highlights the theme of starting the day with worship.

1 Chronicles 23:5
This passage mentions the use of musical instruments in the temple, emphasizing the importance of music in worship and the organized praise of God.

Lamentations 3:23
Speaks of God's mercies being new every morning, connecting to the idea of awakening the dawn with praise and gratitude for God's faithfulness.
Morning ReligionR. Tuck Psalm 108:2
A Threefold Moral State of MindHomilistPsalm 108:1-13
My Heart is SteadfastS. Conway Psalm 108:1-13
My Heart is Steadfast, O�GodC. Short Psalm 108:1-13
People
David, Manasseh, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Awake, Awaken, Awaking, Corded, Dawn, Early, Harp, Instruments, Lute, Lyre, Myself, O, Psaltery, Song, Sounds, Wake
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 108:2

     4918   dawn
     5421   musical instruments

Psalm 108:1-2

     5332   harp

Library
Jesus is Arrested.
Jesus was standing with his three Apostles on the road between Gethsemani, and the Garden of Olives, when Judas and the band who accompanied him made their appearance. A warm dispute arose between Judas and the soldiers, because he wished to approach first and speak to Jesus quietly as if nothing was the matter, and then for them to come up and seize our Saviour, thus letting him suppose that he had no connection with the affair. But the men answered rudely, 'Not so, friend, thou shalt not escape
Anna Catherine Emmerich—The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Let us See How He Continues after This: "These Events...
Let us see how he continues after this: "These events," he says, "he predicted as being a God, and the prediction must by all means come to pass. God, therefore, who above all others ought to do good to men, and especially to those of his own household, led on his own disciples and prophets, with whom he was in the habit of eating and drinking, to such a degree of wickedness, that they became impious and unholy men. Now, of a truth, he who shared a man's table would not be guilty of conspiring
Origen—Origen Against Celsus

The Alarum
That is not, however, the topic upon which I now desire to speak to you. I come at this time, not so much to plead for the early as for the awakening. The hour we may speak of at another time--the fact is our subject now. It is bad to awake late, but what shall be said of those who never awake at all? Better late than never: but with many it is to be feared it will be never. I would take down the trumpet and give a blast, or ring the alarm-bell till all the faculties of the sluggard's manhood are
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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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