The psalmist exhorts that genuine worship toward the Holy One involves praise grounded in truth.
“I will also praise You with a harp, Even Your truth, O my God; To You I will sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel” (v.22). Here, the psalmist declares an active worship of God through music, acknowledging that truth and praise belong inseparably together. The phrase “O Holy One of Israel” (v.22) ties the psalmist’s adoration to the covenant relationship God established with the nation of Israel. Historically, “Israel” refers to the people descended from the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel around 1900 BC. The land of ancient Israel was centered around what is modern-day Israel and Palestine, with Jerusalem eventually becoming its spiritual capital. By emphasizing God’s truth, the psalmist implies that worship must always rest upon the foundation of divine reliability and faithfulness.
The psalmist’s mention of the harp and the lyre underscores the depth of creativity in worship. Instruments like these were used extensively in temple services during King David’s era, roughly around 1000 BC, highlighting that engaging with God through song and melody was a deeply rooted tradition. King David, traditionally considered the author of many psalms, lived in this period, ruling as the second king of the united monarchy of Israel from about 1010 to 970 BC. The psalmist’s words also suggest that worship involves the totality of a person’s skill and devotion, a principle seen echoed in the New Testament when believers are encouraged to worship in spirit and truth.
Furthermore, the identification of Israel’s God as “O Holy One” (v.22) calls attention to the reality that the LORD is uniquely set apart, deserving reverence and praise. This holiness is later revealed fully in the person of Jesus, who embodies God’s righteousness. By praising the Lord with instruments, the psalmist reminds readers today of the importance of honoring God’s steadfast truth in every expression of heartfelt praise, an invitation to creatively extol the character of the Almighty.
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Psalms 71:22 meaning
“I will also praise You with a harp, Even Your truth, O my God; To You I will sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel” (v.22). Here, the psalmist declares an active worship of God through music, acknowledging that truth and praise belong inseparably together. The phrase “O Holy One of Israel” (v.22) ties the psalmist’s adoration to the covenant relationship God established with the nation of Israel. Historically, “Israel” refers to the people descended from the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel around 1900 BC. The land of ancient Israel was centered around what is modern-day Israel and Palestine, with Jerusalem eventually becoming its spiritual capital. By emphasizing God’s truth, the psalmist implies that worship must always rest upon the foundation of divine reliability and faithfulness.
The psalmist’s mention of the harp and the lyre underscores the depth of creativity in worship. Instruments like these were used extensively in temple services during King David’s era, roughly around 1000 BC, highlighting that engaging with God through song and melody was a deeply rooted tradition. King David, traditionally considered the author of many psalms, lived in this period, ruling as the second king of the united monarchy of Israel from about 1010 to 970 BC. The psalmist’s words also suggest that worship involves the totality of a person’s skill and devotion, a principle seen echoed in the New Testament when believers are encouraged to worship in spirit and truth.
Furthermore, the identification of Israel’s God as “O Holy One” (v.22) calls attention to the reality that the LORD is uniquely set apart, deserving reverence and praise. This holiness is later revealed fully in the person of Jesus, who embodies God’s righteousness. By praising the Lord with instruments, the psalmist reminds readers today of the importance of honoring God’s steadfast truth in every expression of heartfelt praise, an invitation to creatively extol the character of the Almighty.