King James Version

What Does Psalms 108:2 Mean?

Psalms 108:2 in the King James Version says “Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 108 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.”

Psalms 108:2 · KJV

Context

1

A Song or Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

2

Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

3

I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

4

For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. clouds: or, skies

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Awake, psaltery and harp (עוּרָה הַנֵּבֶל וְכִנּוֹר, urah hanevel vekinnor)—David personifies his instruments, commanding them to 'wake up.' Urah (awake!) is urgent summons. The nevel (psaltery, a larger stringed instrument) and kinnor (lyre) were David's worship tools.

I myself will awake early (אָעִירָה שָּׁחַר, a'irah shakhar)—literally 'I will awaken the dawn.' David vows to wake before sunrise to praise God. Shakhar (dawn) is personified like the instruments. The meaning: David's worship will be so early, so eager, that he'll wake the dawn itself rather than the dawn waking him.

This verse captures passionate priority in worship. David doesn't fit God into his schedule—he reorders his entire day around praise. The New Testament pattern continues: Jesus rose 'a great while before day' to pray (Mark 1:35), modeling worship as first priority, not afterthought.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 108 is a composite, combining Psalm 57:7-11 (confidence amid enemies) and Psalm 60:5-12 (prayer for victory). David likely compiled it for specific liturgical use, possibly before battle. The 'awake early' suggests pre-dawn military preparation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would it look like to 'awaken the dawn' with worship—to make God your first thought, not an afterthought?
  2. How does the urgency in David's 'Awake!' challenge casual approaches to worship?
  3. What 'instruments' (gifts, time, energy) lie dormant in your life that God is calling you to 'awaken' for His glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
אָעִ֥ירָה1 of 5

“Awake”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

הַנֵּ֥בֶל2 of 5

“psaltery”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

וְכִנּ֗וֹר3 of 5

“and harp”

H3658

a harp

אָעִ֥ירָה4 of 5

“Awake”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

שָּֽׁחַר׃5 of 5

“early”

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 108:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 108:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 69:30Psalms 81:2Psalms 33:2Psalms 57:8Psalms 103:22Psalms 92:1-4

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