Psalm 71:22: “I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Psalm 71:22, the psalmist expresses a deep desire to praise God, specifically for His faithfulness. He plans to do this through music, using both the harp and the lyre, two popular instruments in ancient Israel. This verse reflects the psalmist’s joy and gratitude for God’s faithfulness and his desire to worship in a way that is joyful and expressive. By calling God the “Holy One of Israel,” he acknowledges God’s unique holiness and special relationship with Israel. This praise is not just a quiet acknowledgment; it’s a celebration that engages his whole being, using music to reflect his gratitude for God’s trustworthy character.
Historical Context
Psalm 71 is often associated with David, who was a skilled musician and songwriter. Music was central to worship in ancient Israel, with instruments like the harp and lyre used to praise God in the temple and during festivals. David himself played the harp for King Saul and wrote numerous psalms to honor God. For Israel, music was not just an art form but a way to express devotion, gratitude, and reverence toward God. By using music, the psalmist connects with a long tradition of praising God through song and instruments, drawing attention to the fact that God’s faithfulness deserves heartfelt, creative worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 71:22 emphasizes the importance of worshiping God for His faithfulness and holiness. The psalmist’s response to God’s faithfulness is not just a silent acknowledgment but a joyful, active expression of praise. This verse teaches that worship can take many forms, including music, and that it’s a way for us to honor God’s character. Calling God the “Holy One of Israel” highlights His set-apart nature and His special covenant relationship with His people. For believers, this verse underscores the value of responding to God’s goodness with genuine praise and gratitude, recognizing Him as holy, faithful, and deserving of worship.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 71:22 uses language that captures both the reverence and the joy of worship. The phrase “I will praise you with the harp” and the reference to the “lyre” suggest a kind of worship that is intentional and expressive. By addressing God as “Holy One of Israel,” the psalmist shows both intimacy and respect, acknowledging God’s personal relationship with His people. The structure of the verse, with its repetition of praise and mention of specific instruments, creates a rhythm that mirrors the musical worship he is describing. The verse paints a picture of worship that is vibrant and heartfelt, a fitting response to God’s faithfulness.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 33:2: “Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.” This verse also highlights the use of instruments in worship, emphasizing music as a means of honoring God.
- Psalm 92:1-2: “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” This passage connects music with proclaiming God’s love and faithfulness.
- 1 Chronicles 16:23: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.” This verse encourages continual praise, reflecting the psalmist’s desire to worship God for His faithfulness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 71:22 reminds us of the importance of praising God for His faithfulness. Worship doesn’t have to be limited to spoken words or silent prayers; it can also include music, art, and other forms of expression that reflect our gratitude and joy. This verse encourages us to praise God with all that we are, celebrating His reliability and goodness. When we take time to honor God for His faithfulness, we strengthen our own faith and encourage those around us. This verse also reminds us that worship is an act of gratitude, a way to give back to God from our hearts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 71:22 shows that God’s faithfulness is a central part of His love for us. The psalmist’s desire to praise God for His faithfulness reflects an understanding that God’s love is steady, unwavering, and reliable. God’s faithfulness means that He is always there for His people, fulfilling His promises and never abandoning them. This verse demonstrates that our response to God’s faithful love should be one of gratitude and worship, acknowledging that His love is beyond anything we could find in the world. God’s loving faithfulness calls us into a relationship where we can trust Him completely, knowing He is the “Holy One of Israel” who always keeps His promises.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In Jesus, we see the ultimate expression of God’s faithfulness and love. Through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, God fulfilled His promise to bring salvation to His people. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” reminding us of His unchanging nature and faithfulness. Jesus embodies God’s holiness and faithfulness, making Him worthy of all our praise. John 15:13 reflects this faithfulness in Jesus’s words, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus’s sacrifice is the ultimate display of God’s faithful love, and it inspires us to worship Him with all that we are, just as the psalmist did with his harp and lyre.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you express gratitude and praise for God’s faithfulness in your own life?
- Why do you think the psalmist chose music as a way to honor God?
- How does reflecting on God’s faithfulness strengthen your relationship with Him?
- In what ways can you incorporate praise and worship into your daily life?
- How does Jesus’s faithfulness encourage you to live a life of gratitude and worship?
Psalm 71:22 invites us to praise God for His faithfulness with all that we are, celebrating His goodness through our words, music, and actions. By worshiping God with a thankful heart, we honor His love and draw closer to Him.