Psalms 81:2

Take a Psalme, and bring hither the timbrell: the pleasant harpe with the psalterie. Psalms 81:2 (KJV)

Psalm 81 belongs to the collection of songs attributed to Asaph, a gifted musician who served as one of the chief musicians appointed by King David to minister before the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16:4‑5). The psalm was composed for public worship, urging the nation of Israel to lift their voices in praise to the living God.

The opening command, “Take a psalm,” is an invitation to select a sacred song of thanksgiving and to prepare it for communal singing. A psalm, in the Hebrew sense, is a poem of worship that expresses gratitude, trust, and reverence toward God. The phrase “bring hither the timbrel” calls for the timbrel—a hand‑held percussion instrument resembling a tambourine—to be brought to the worship scene. In ancient Israel the timbrel was often played by women and was associated with joy, celebration, and dancing, underscoring the festive character of the worship.

“The pleasant harp with the psaltery” adds two stringed instruments to the ensemble. The harp, a plucked instrument, produced resonant tones, while the psaltery (a zither‑ or lyre‑like instrument) contributed a bright, melodic accompaniment. Both were standard in Israelite worship and helped create a harmonious, melodious sound that lifted the hearts of the worshippers.

Together, the verse encourages the people of Israel to engage in joyful worship by singing psalms and employing the timbrel, harp, and psaltery. It highlights music’s role in expressing gratitude for God’s blessings and in fostering a collective atmosphere of praise.

For contemporary believers the passage remains relevant. It reminds us that music is a powerful vehicle for worship, capable of touching hearts, uplifting spirits, and shaping an environment of reverence. By incorporating song and instrument, we can deepen our connection with God and more fully express our love and adoration for Him.

In conclusion, Psalm 81:2 invites the church today to embrace music as an integral part of worship, recognizing that the sounds of psalms, strings, and percussion can enhance our devotion and draw us nearer to the Lord.