Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. Sing for joyThe phrase "Sing for joy" in Psalm 81:1 calls believers to express their worship through music and song. The Hebrew word used here is "רָנַן" (ranan), which means to shout for joy or to cry out. This expression of joy is not merely a suggestion but a command, indicating the importance of worship in the life of a believer. Historically, singing has been a central part of Jewish worship, as seen in the Temple services and various feasts. The act of singing for joy is a response to God's goodness and faithfulness, encouraging believers to lift their voices in praise and adoration. to God our strength
The phrase "to God our strength" identifies the object of our worship and the source of our power. The Hebrew word for strength here is "עֹז" (oz), which conveys might, power, and refuge. This acknowledges God as the ultimate source of strength and protection for His people. In the historical context of Israel, God was seen as the deliverer and sustainer, providing strength in times of trouble and need. This phrase invites believers to rely on God's strength rather than their own, recognizing His sovereignty and provision in their lives. make a joyful noise
"Make a joyful noise" is a call to exuberant and enthusiastic worship. The Hebrew word "תְּרוּעָה" (teruah) implies a loud shout or blast, often associated with the sound of a trumpet. This form of worship is not quiet or reserved but is full of energy and passion. In ancient Israel, such sounds were used in battle, celebrations, and religious ceremonies, symbolizing victory and divine intervention. For believers today, making a joyful noise is an expression of faith and confidence in God's promises and His active presence in their lives. to the God of Jacob
The phrase "to the God of Jacob" connects the worship of God to the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel. This reference to Jacob highlights God's covenant relationship with the people of Israel, reminding them of His faithfulness throughout generations. Jacob's life was marked by encounters with God, and his account is a testament to God's grace and transformative power. By invoking the God of Jacob, the psalmist calls believers to remember their spiritual heritage and the enduring promises of God. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, referred to as the source of strength and the object of joyful worship. 2. JacobRepresents the nation of Israel, as Jacob was renamed Israel and is the patriarch of the twelve tribes. 3. The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs during King David's reign, who calls the people to worship. Teaching Points Joyful Worship as a CommandThe verse is an imperative, calling believers to actively engage in joyful worship. This is not merely a suggestion but a command to express joy in God's presence. God as Our StrengthRecognize that God is the source of our strength. In times of weakness or challenge, turning to God in worship can renew our strength. Covenantal RelationshipThe reference to the "God of Jacob" reminds us of the covenant relationship God has with His people. Worship is a response to His faithfulness and promises. Community WorshipThe call to make a joyful noise suggests a communal aspect of worship. Believers are encouraged to gather and express their joy together. Cultural and Historical ContextUnderstanding the historical context of temple worship and the role of music in Israel's worship can enrich our appreciation and practice of worship today. Bible Study Questions 1. How does recognizing God as our strength influence the way we approach challenges in our daily lives? 2. In what ways can we incorporate joyful worship into our personal and communal spiritual practices? 3. How does the concept of God as the "God of Jacob" deepen our understanding of His faithfulness and promises? 4. What are some practical ways to make a "joyful noise" in today's context, both individually and as a church community? 5. How can we draw parallels between the worship practices in ancient Israel and our modern-day worship experiences? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15The song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea, which is another instance of singing for joy to God for His deliverance and strength. Nehemiah 8The joy of the Lord is described as the strength of His people, connecting the concept of joy and divine strength. James 5Encourages believers to sing praises when they are cheerful, aligning with the call to make a joyful noise. Philippians 4Paul speaks of rejoicing in the Lord always, which echoes the call to joyful worship in Psalm 81:1. People Asaph, Jacob, Joseph, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Aloud, 81, Asaph, Chief, Choirmaster, Cry, Gath, Gittith, Glad, Gt, Instrument, Jacob, Joy, Joyful, Joyfully, Joyously, Leader, Lt, Music, Musician, Music-maker, Noise, Overseer, Psalm, Shout, Sing, Song, StrengthDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 81:1 1205 God, titles of
5420 music
8665 praise, reasons Psalm 81:1-2 5332 harp
5400 lyre
5420 music
7960 singing Psalm 81:1-3 5421 musical instruments Psalm 81:1-7 8609 prayer, as praise and thanksgiving Library Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
BEGINNING AND EARLY DAYS OF THE ORPHAN WORK. "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."--1 Peter, i. 7. Mr. George Mueller, the founder of the New Orphan-Houses, Ashley Down, Bristol (institutions that have been for many years the greatest monuments of modern times to a prayer-answering God), gives in that most valuable and instructive book, "A …
George Müller—Answers to PrayerAsk what I Shall Give Thee. 1Ki 3:05
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John Newton—Olney Hymns How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
"O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."--Psalm xxxiv. 8. You see by these words what love Almighty God has towards us, and what claims He has upon our love. He is the Most High, and All-Holy. He inhabiteth eternity: we are but worms compared with Him. He would not be less happy though He had never created us; He would not be less happy though we were all blotted out again from creation. But He is the God of love; He brought us all into existence, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may …
George Müller—Answers to Prayer The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!'
When the traitor returned from Jerusalem on the Wednesday afternoon, the Passover, in the popular and canonical, though not in the Biblical sense, was close at hand. It began on the 14th Nisan, that is, from the appearance of the first three stars on Wednesday evening [the evening of what had been the 13th], and ended with the first three stars on Thursday evening [the evening of what had been the 14th day of Nisan]. As this is an exceedingly important point, it is well here to quote the precise …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
They shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I proceed now to the second part of the text. A promise annexed. They shall be filled'. A Christian fighting with sin is not like one that beats the air' (1 Corinthians 9:26), and his hungering after righteousness is not like one that sucks in only air, Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.' Those that hunger after righteousness shall be filled. God never bids us seek him in vain' (Isaiah 45:19). Here is an honeycomb dropping into the mouths of …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Second Coming of Christ.
^A Matt. XXIV. 29-51; ^B Mark XIII. 24-37; ^C Luke XXI. 25-36. ^b 24 But in those days, ^a immediately after the { ^b that} ^a tribulation of those days. [Since the coming of Christ did not follow close upon the destruction of Jerusalem, the word "immediately" used by Matthew is somewhat puzzling. There are, however, three ways in which it may be explained: 1. That Jesus reckons the time after his own divine, and not after our human, fashion. Viewing the word in this light, the passage at II. Pet. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Justifying or Sanctifying Grace
Sanctifying grace is defined by Deharbe as "an unmerited, supernatural gift, imparted to the soul by the Holy Ghost, by which we are made just, children of God, and heirs of Heaven." As it makes sinners just, sanctifying grace is also called justifying, though this appellation can not be applied to the sanctification of our first parents in Paradise or to that of the angels and the sinless soul of Christ. Justification, as we have shown, consists in the infusion of sanctifying grace, and hence it …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual 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 Links Psalm 81:1 NIVPsalm 81:1 NLTPsalm 81:1 ESVPsalm 81:1 NASBPsalm 81:1 KJV
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