King James Version

What Does Psalms 81:2 Mean?

“Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.”

Context

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. of Asaph: or, for Asaph

Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.

For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Take a psalm.**—Rather, *Strike up a tune *(*with voice and harp*)*.* **Bring hither the timbrel.**—Literally, *Give a timbrel *(or, *drum*)*, *which evidently means “sound the timbrel,” and may, perhaps, be explained by a phrase sometimes found in Hebrew—“Give a voice,” *i.e., *speak. Such phrases as “Let them have the drum,” “Give them the drum,” may illustrate the expression. (For the instrument, *tôph, *see Exodus 15:20, and consult *Bible Educator, *2:214 *seq.*) **Harp . . . psaltery.**—See Note, Psalm 33:2.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 81:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.