◄ Psalm 81:1 ►
Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
Study Bible
For the choirmaster.
This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was directed to the leader of the temple musicians. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in organizing and leading the musical aspects of worship, which were integral to Israelite religious life. This reflects the structured and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel.

According to Gittith.
"Gittith" is a term whose exact meaning is uncertain, but it is believed to refer to a musical instrument or a tune associated with Gath, a Philistine city. This suggests a cultural exchange and the incorporation of diverse musical influences in Hebrew worship, highlighting the universality of worship and the adaptability of Israelite culture.

Of Asaph.
Asaph was one of the chief musicians appointed by King David, and he is credited with several psalms. His role as a Levite and a leader in worship underscores the importance of music in the spiritual life of Israel. The Asaphite tradition continued through his descendants, emphasizing the enduring legacy of worship leaders in Israel's history.

Sing for joy to God our strength;
This phrase calls the congregation to express their joy through singing, recognizing God as their source of strength. The act of singing is a powerful form of worship that engages the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The acknowledgment of God as "our strength" reflects a deep reliance on divine power and protection, a recurring theme throughout the Psalms.

make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
The call to make a joyful noise emphasizes the exuberant and communal nature of worship. The reference to the "God of Jacob" connects the worshippers to their patriarchal heritage, reminding them of God's covenantal faithfulness to Jacob and his descendants. This phrase ties the present act of worship to the historical and spiritual lineage of Israel, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, referred to as the source of strength and the object of joyful worship.

2. Jacob
Represents the nation of Israel, as Jacob was renamed Israel and is the patriarch of the twelve tribes.

3. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs during King David's reign, who calls the people to worship.
Teaching Points
Joyful Worship as a Command
The verse is an imperative, calling believers to actively engage in joyful worship. This is not merely a suggestion but a command to express joy in God's presence.

God as Our Strength
Recognize that God is the source of our strength. In times of weakness or challenge, turning to God in worship can renew our strength.

Covenantal Relationship
The reference to the "God of Jacob" reminds us of the covenant relationship God has with His people. Worship is a response to His faithfulness and promises.

Community Worship
The call to make a joyful noise suggests a communal aspect of worship. Believers are encouraged to gather and express their joy together.

Cultural and Historical Context
Understanding the historical context of temple worship and the role of music in Israel's worship can enrich our appreciation and practice of worship today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does recognizing God as our strength influence the way we approach challenges in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we incorporate joyful worship into our personal and communal spiritual practices?

3. How does the concept of God as the "God of Jacob" deepen our understanding of His faithfulness and promises?

4. What are some practical ways to make a "joyful noise" in today's context, both individually and as a church community?

5. How can we draw parallels between the worship practices in ancient Israel and our modern-day worship experiences?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15
The song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea, which is another instance of singing for joy to God for His deliverance and strength.

Nehemiah 8
The joy of the Lord is described as the strength of His people, connecting the concept of joy and divine strength.

James 5
Encourages believers to sing praises when they are cheerful, aligning with the call to make a joyful noise.

Philippians 4
Paul speaks of rejoicing in the Lord always, which echoes the call to joyful worship in Psalm 81:1.
Sermons
The Consecration of MusicR. Tuck Psalm 81:1-3
A Revelation of Three Great SubjectsHomilistPsalm 81:1-16
Exhortation to Sing God's PraisePsalm 81:1-16
People
Asaph, Jacob, Joseph, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Aloud, 81, Asaph, Chief, Choirmaster, Cry, Gath, Gittith, Glad, Gt, Instrument, Jacob, Joy, Joyful, Joyfully, Joyously, Leader, Lt, Music, Musician, Music-maker, Noise, Overseer, Psalm, Shout, Sing, Song, Strength
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 81:1

     1205   God, titles of
     5420   music
     8665   praise, reasons

Psalm 81:1-2

     5332   harp
     5400   lyre
     5420   music
     7960   singing

Psalm 81:1-3

     5421   musical instruments

Psalm 81:1-7

     8609   prayer, as praise and thanksgiving

Library
Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
BEGINNING AND EARLY DAYS OF THE ORPHAN WORK. "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."--1 Peter, i. 7. Mr. George Mueller, the founder of the New Orphan-Houses, Ashley Down, Bristol (institutions that have been for many years the greatest monuments of modern times to a prayer-answering God), gives in that most valuable and instructive book, "A …
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

Ask what I Shall Give Thee. 1Ki 3:05
 …
John Newton—Olney Hymns

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
"O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."--Psalm xxxiv. 8. You see by these words what love Almighty God has towards us, and what claims He has upon our love. He is the Most High, and All-Holy. He inhabiteth eternity: we are but worms compared with Him. He would not be less happy though He had never created us; He would not be less happy though we were all blotted out again from creation. But He is the God of love; He brought us all into existence, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may …
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!'
When the traitor returned from Jerusalem on the Wednesday afternoon, the Passover, in the popular and canonical, though not in the Biblical sense, was close at hand. It began on the 14th Nisan, that is, from the appearance of the first three stars on Wednesday evening [the evening of what had been the 13th], and ended with the first three stars on Thursday evening [the evening of what had been the 14th day of Nisan]. As this is an exceedingly important point, it is well here to quote the precise …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
They shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I proceed now to the second part of the text. A promise annexed. They shall be filled'. A Christian fighting with sin is not like one that beats the air' (1 Corinthians 9:26), and his hungering after righteousness is not like one that sucks in only air, Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.' Those that hunger after righteousness shall be filled. God never bids us seek him in vain' (Isaiah 45:19). Here is an honeycomb dropping into the mouths of …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Second Coming of Christ.
^A Matt. XXIV. 29-51; ^B Mark XIII. 24-37; ^C Luke XXI. 25-36. ^b 24 But in those days, ^a immediately after the { ^b that} ^a tribulation of those days. [Since the coming of Christ did not follow close upon the destruction of Jerusalem, the word "immediately" used by Matthew is somewhat puzzling. There are, however, three ways in which it may be explained: 1. That Jesus reckons the time after his own divine, and not after our human, fashion. Viewing the word in this light, the passage at II. Pet. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Justifying or Sanctifying Grace
Sanctifying grace is defined by Deharbe as "an unmerited, supernatural gift, imparted to the soul by the Holy Ghost, by which we are made just, children of God, and heirs of Heaven." As it makes sinners just, sanctifying grace is also called justifying, though this appellation can not be applied to the sanctification of our first parents in Paradise or to that of the angels and the sinless soul of Christ. Justification, as we have shown, consists in the infusion of sanctifying grace, and hence it …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Psalm 81:1 NIV
Psalm 81:1 NLT
Psalm 81:1 ESV
Psalm 81:1 NASB
Psalm 81:1 KJV

Psalm 81:1 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 80:19
Top of Page
Top of Page