Psalms 57:8
“Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.”
Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Psalm 57:8 (KJV):
Verse: “Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.” (Psalm 57:8, KJV)
1. Historical Context:
Psalm 57 is attributed to David and is believed to have been written during a time when he was fleeing from Saul, who was seeking to kill him. David found refuge in a cave, and it is likely that he composed this psalm during that period of his life.
2. Awakening the Glory:
In this verse, David addresses his own soul, urging it to awaken. The term “my glory” can be understood as a poetic reference to his soul or his innermost being. David is calling upon himself to rise up from a state of discouragement or despair. It is a call to inner awakening and renewal.
3. Instruments of Praise:
David uses the imagery of musical instruments, specifically the psaltery and harp, to express his desire to worship and praise God. The psaltery is a stringed instrument similar to a lyre, while the harp is another musical instrument often associated with praise and worship. David is encouraging himself to worship God with these instruments, signifying his intention to offer joyful praise to God even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
4. Awakening Early:
David resolves to “awake early” or rise early in the morning. This may imply a literal waking up early in the day, but it also carries a symbolic meaning. It indicates David’s determination to seek God’s presence and engage in worship with a sense of urgency and priority. By prioritizing communion with God in the morning, he sets the tone for his day and seeks divine guidance and strength.
5. Application:
Psalm 57:8 teaches us several important lessons:
- a) Awakening our souls: Like David, we can find ourselves in challenging situations or seasons of life. In those times, we need to call upon our innermost being, urging ourselves to rise above discouragement and despair, and seek God’s presence and help.
- b) Worship and praise: David’s desire to worship God with musical instruments demonstrates the importance of expressing our gratitude and adoration through worship. We can use whatever means available to us to offer heartfelt praise to God.
- c) Prioritizing God: By awakening early, David shows us the significance of prioritizing God in our lives. Starting the day with prayer, meditation, and seeking God’s presence can set the right foundation for our daily activities and enable us to face challenges with faith and strength.
