What instruments can we use to worship God as Psalm 98:5 suggests? Psalm 98:5 in Focus “Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, and with the lyre and melodious song.” (Psalm 98:5) Instruments Specifically Named Here • Lyre (a small, hand-held harp) • The implication of “melodious song” invites any stringed instrument capable of carrying melody alongside vocal praise. Broader Biblical Palette of Worship Instruments • Trumpet – “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet.” (Psalm 150:3) • Horn (ram’s horn, shofar) – “Shout for joy before the LORD, the King.… with the blast of the ram’s horn.” (Psalm 98:6) • Harp & Ten-stringed harp – “Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp.” (Psalm 33:2) • Cymbals – “Praise Him with clashing cymbals.” (Psalm 150:5) • Timbrel (tambourine) & Dance – “Praise Him with tambourine and dance.” (Psalm 150:4; cf. Exodus 15:20) • Strings & Flute-like pipes – “Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.” (Psalm 150:4) • Trumpeters and singers together – “The trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 5:13) What This Teaches Us Today • God welcomes a rich variety of instruments in corporate and private praise. • If Scripture literally endorses trumpets, harps, cymbals, and tambourines, modern equivalents (guitars, keyboards, brass, percussion) can faithfully carry the same purpose—exalting the Lord with skill and joy. • The focus is not novelty but wholehearted worship: “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” (Psalm 33:3) Putting It into Practice • Include stringed, wind, and percussion instruments when planning congregational music. • Encourage instrumentalists to pursue excellence, knowing their craft is biblical service. • Blend voices and instruments so that “the sound of rejoicing in the LORD” (2 Chronicles 5:13) is clear, unified, and God-centered. |
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