What does Psalm 108:2 mean?
ESV: Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
NIV: Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
NASB: Awake, harp and lyre; I will awaken the dawn!
CSB: Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn.
NLT: Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song.
KJV: Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
NKJV: Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.
Verse Commentary:
Other than skipping or altering the Hebrew phrase translated "awake, my glory," the verse here is identical to Psalm 57:8. In that psalm, David resolved to be faithful and steady despite attacks from the jealous king, Saul. David's reference to musical instruments is ironic; David had been playing for the very king who now sought to kill him (1 Samuel 16:23).
The reference to awakening uses a Hebrew term which speaks of opening one's eyes; this also implies acting (Judges 5:12). With the mention of instruments and praise (Psalm 108:3), it seems that David is promising to wake early and begin worshipping the Lord with everything he is (Psalm 108:1; Deuteronomy 6:5). Music and singing are especially appropriate ways to worship (Colossians 3:16).
Verse Context:
Psalm 108:1–5 is nearly identical to Psalm 57:7–11. Here, David thanks and praises God for His loyal love. David vows to praise the Lord from the moment he wakes up using singing and musical instruments. He wants God to be exalted so that His people will triumph over their enemies.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist—repeating words of David's prior psalms—first declares loyalty to the Lord. He declares that God should be worshipped by His people. Next, God's sovereign rule is celebrated. Even so, the song speaks of fears and doubts, calling on the Lord to provide aid in a dire battle. The overall sense is one of confidence and assurance in God.
Chapter Context:
This psalm combines portions of two other songs (Psalm 57:7–11; Psalm 60:5–12). Psalm 57 relates to David's attempts to evade the jealous King Saul. Psalm 60 reacts to a surprise attack from Edom. Psalm 108 borrows the conclusions of these prior messages; these emphasize a commitment to praise and honor God and to recognize His absolute rule. The psalm is "of David" because it uses his words, but this arrangement may not have been his personal doing.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 11/23/2024 4:57:09 AM
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