Sing aloud to God our strength; make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the lute. (Psalm 81:1-2)
If the previous psalm was composed with the suffering of exile in mind, this psalm expresses the exultation of being set free from the bonds of exile. In fact, it is taught in Jewish tradition that this psalm of Asaph alludes to Israel’s redemption from Egyptian bondage and the excitement felt by those who were released from slavery. The groans and sounds of sorrow induced by the burdens imposed upon them turned to shouts of joy and songs of jubilation when God delivered them.
After Jacob and the other patriarchs died, the people of Israel entered a season of intense suffering under the heel of the Egyptians. Considering that Asaph likened Israel to a vine and the product of God’s vineyard (Psalm 80), Egypt was, in effect, the winepress into which they were cast to be squeezed and trampled. (According to the dedication, this psalm was to be played on an instrument of Gath; gath or גת gat is the Hebrew word for a press). Through servitude and bondage they were indeed crushed, but in God’s economy, the crushing they experienced was intended to release something glorious and very precious. In short, being liberated from the winepress brought forth pure and uninhibited praise of the Most High.
On that note, it is obvious that the celebratory mood described by the psalmist was not to be subdued; to the contrary, he encouraged the people of God to “sing aloud” to the accompaniment of music and to “shout to the God of Jacob.” Furthermore, it seems to me that this celebration was not to be limited in scope but was to influence others to sing and shout praise “to God our strength.” So the point is, though we may be subjected to the crushing that comes with being in the press, when that season concludes and we are released, appreciative hearts should not contain the joy they feel inside. It is appropriate to burst forth into loud and infectious song and great shouts of joy.
Our expressions of worship is something the Creator takes great pleasure in and our praises offered to Him spreads His fame throughout the earth. So then, may we never withhold from our God that which is rightfully due Him — honor and praise. As it is written, “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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