Psalms 81:1

Context

Psalm 81¹

For the music director; according to the gittith style;² by Asaph.

81:1 Shout for joy to God, our source of strength!

Shout out to the God of Jacob!

Psalms 84:1

Context

Psalm 84³

For the music director; according to the gittith style;⁴ written by the Korahites, a psalm.

84:1 How lovely is the place where you live,⁵

O Lord who rules over all!⁶

[81:1] ¹sn Psalm 81. The psalmist calls God’s people to assemble for a festival and then proclaims God’s message to them. The divine speech (vv. 6-16) recalls how God delivered the people from Egypt, reminds Israel of their rebellious past, expresses God’s desire for his people to obey him, and promises divine protection in exchange for obedience.

[81:1] ²tn The precise meaning of the Hebrew term הַגִּתִּית (haggittit) is uncertain; it probably refers to a musical style or instrument. See the superscription to Ps 8.

[84:1] ³sn Psalm 84. The psalmist expresses his desire to be in God’s presence in the Jerusalem temple, for the Lord is the protector of his people.

[84:1] ⁴tn The precise meaning of the Hebrew term הַגִּתִּית (haggittit) is uncertain; it probably refers to a musical style or instrument.

[84:1] ⁵tn Or “your dwelling place[s].” The plural form of the noun may indicate degree or quality; this is the Lord’s special dwelling place (see Pss 43:3; 46:4; 132:5, 7).

[84:1] ⁶tn Traditionally, “Lord of hosts.” The title draws attention to God’s sovereign position (see Ps 69:6).