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

PSALMS 108:2KJV
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Psalms 108:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 108:2 mean?

Psalms 108:2 describes the psalmist calling on musical instruments—the psaltery and harp—to awaken, declaring that he himself will rise early to praise God. The verse shows a personal eagerness and determination to begin the day with worship.

David is the speaker in Psalms 108, addressing God in a song of praise. The mention of the psaltery and harp refers to stringed instruments used in ancient Israel for worship. By saying he will "awake early," David expresses his commitment to start his day focused on honoring God, using music as a way to express his devotion.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 108:2

  • "Awake" (עוּר, ʿur): This word, used twice in the verse, means to rouse or stir up. Here, it poetically calls the instruments to action, as if they could wake up and join in praise.
  • "Psaltery" (נֶבֶל, nevel): This refers to a type of stringed instrument, similar to a lyre. Its mention highlights the musical aspect of worship in ancient Israel.
  • "Harp" (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor): Another stringed instrument, often associated with joyful or solemn worship. Its inclusion alongside the psaltery emphasizes a full, rich sound in praise.
  • "Early" (שַׁחַר, shachar): This word means dawn or early morning. It underscores the psalmist’s intention to begin his worship at the very start of the day.

Why Psalms 108:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was not just vocal but also involved musical instruments, showing the importance of music in expressing devotion.
  • The psalmist’s resolve to "awake early" highlights a personal discipline and eagerness to honor God, suggesting that worship was a priority, not an afterthought.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of Psalms 108, which is about steadfast praise and trust in God, even before the day’s challenges begin.

Where else these words appear

“early” Hebrew H7837 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  • Job 3:9 Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:
  • Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

“psaltery” Hebrew H5035 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
  • Psalms 92:3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

“harp” Hebrew H3658 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
  • Psalms 71:22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

“Awake” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
  • Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.