This verse shows that the believer’s worship should be reverently joyful.
In Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody. (v.5), the psalmist calls God’s people to use music as an active form of worship. The lyre was a stringed instrument commonly used in ancient Israel’s worship ceremonies, reflecting the celebratory nature of public praise. This verse highlights that worship is not just vocal but can include instruments, underscoring the joyful, communal aspect of coming before the LORD with heartfelt devotion.
Historically, King David greatly emphasized musical worship, commissioning Levites to play stringed instruments as part of regular temple offerings (1 Chronicles 15:161 Chronicles 23:5). By referencing the lyre, the psalmist echoes David’s tradition of praising God in a rich, melodic fashion. This exuberant worship in the Old Testament also points forward to a New Testament reality, where believers praise Jesus Christ, the Messiah, with both songs and spiritual hymns (Ephesians 5:19). Although separated by centuries, the passion for honoring God through music remains consistent.
By calling attention to the sound of melody, Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody. (v.5) encourages an atmosphere of reverent joy. This is not a mere performance, but a heartfelt outpouring of gratitude to the Creator who is worthy of celebration—whether in Israel’s ancient courts or in the modern assembly of believers. Music is one powerful avenue that unites the community in devoted worship, reflecting the harmony between God and His people.
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Psalms 98:5 meaning
In Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody. (v.5), the psalmist calls God’s people to use music as an active form of worship. The lyre was a stringed instrument commonly used in ancient Israel’s worship ceremonies, reflecting the celebratory nature of public praise. This verse highlights that worship is not just vocal but can include instruments, underscoring the joyful, communal aspect of coming before the LORD with heartfelt devotion.
Historically, King David greatly emphasized musical worship, commissioning Levites to play stringed instruments as part of regular temple offerings (1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 23:5). By referencing the lyre, the psalmist echoes David’s tradition of praising God in a rich, melodic fashion. This exuberant worship in the Old Testament also points forward to a New Testament reality, where believers praise Jesus Christ, the Messiah, with both songs and spiritual hymns (Ephesians 5:19). Although separated by centuries, the passion for honoring God through music remains consistent.
By calling attention to the sound of melody, Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody. (v.5) encourages an atmosphere of reverent joy. This is not a mere performance, but a heartfelt outpouring of gratitude to the Creator who is worthy of celebration—whether in Israel’s ancient courts or in the modern assembly of believers. Music is one powerful avenue that unites the community in devoted worship, reflecting the harmony between God and His people.