Psalms 71:22

Psalms 71:22

Verse 22 transitions from personal petition to expressive worship: the speaker will praise with the psaltery (a stringed instrument) and sing with the harp, anchoring worship in God’s truth. It emphasizes music as a conduit for truth—God’s faithfulness “thy truth” becomes audible worship. The phrase “unto thee will I sing” reinforces worship as response, not performance. The setting is communal worship but also deeply intimate, as the psalmist aligns heart and art to declare God’s truth.

Culturally, music and poetry were central in ancient Israel for teaching, remembrance, and covenant renewal. The psaltery and harp symbolize skillful, heartfelt, and public worship.

Worship anchored in God’s truth reflects a robust faith: God’s truth is trustworthy and worthy of deliberate celebration. The verse ties truth to worship—knowing God’s character and deeds should spill over into singing and musical praise. It also underscores the communal dimension of praise, as songs memory and declare God’s acts, reinforcing community identity around God’s faithfulness.

Practical ways: incorporate music into daily devotions, not only weekly church services. Create a personal worship playlist that reflects God’s truth you’ve learned—names of God, acts of salvation, promises. In gatherings, invite others to share songs that have anchored their faith in hard seasons. If you don’t feel musical, still engage—read lyrics aloud, clap, or use simple instruments to participate in worship. Let truth shape your praise: as you rehearse God’s faithfulness, praise becomes not just a feeling but a purposeful act that strengthens faith in others.

Cross-References: Psalm 33:4-5; Psalm 96:1-3; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 2:12