Psalm 71 (70):22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The vessels representing the Psalms are, in fact, the Psalms themselves. But what exactly is a Book of Psalms? It functions like an instrument crafted from wood and strings. What is its significance? While it bears a resemblance to a harp, there is a distinction: the Psalter symbolizes the Spirit, whereas the harp represents the flesh. In light of our two forms of emergence from the depths of the earth—one through the Spirit in hope and the other through the body in its essence—reflect on these two aspects. For I acknowledge Your truth in the vessels of the Psalm. This pertains to the Spirit; but what of the body? I will sing to You with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.

I will proclaim Your truth, O God, through the instruments of the Psalms. Therefore, I will ready myself through confession so that I may be recognized as a vessel of praise. If one is identified as a chosen vessel, surely, they are also a vessel of worship. I will sing to You with lyres, signifying the harmony of the soul; for when the soul neither acts against itself nor accepts anything contrary to its nature or beliefs, it can rightly be described as spiritual lyres.

Marriage is a profound union when the spirit is united with the Word, and the body aligns with the soul. To this joyous celebration, David beckons us to partake in the happiness of his united lineage. His joy surpasses that of anyone else, as though he were personally attending the feast, calling for a vibrant celebration: Rejoice in God our Helper, shout to the God of Jacob. Begin the song, and strike the timbrel, the melodious psalter psalm psalter (Psalm 80:1-2). Can you not perceive in these actions the jubilant dance of the prophet? Furthermore: I will sing to You, O God, on the psalter, O Holy One of Israel! My mouth shall rejoice as I sing to You, and my soul which You have redeemed (Psalm 70:22-23). Do you hear the melodious strings of the psalter, the sounds of dancing?

I will openly acknowledge You among the congregation, O Lord. I will continually share Your blessings and declare them to those who do not know. It is important to note that He references many nations, which, following the incarnation of our Savior, attained salvation through messengers from the Jewish people. In the Psalms, I will sing to You, O God, about Your truth; I will offer praises to You, O Holy One of Israel. And in the Psalms, I will sing to You, O God, about Your truth; I will offer praises to You, O Holy One of Israel.

I will express my gratitude to You among the people, O Lord of the Union, as the term “for” here is unnecessary, as noted in other contexts. David declares his intention to offer praise not just within a single nation, but across many. Through this psalm, he acknowledges the need to glorify God not only among the Jewish population but also among the Gentiles. He reinforces this point more explicitly at the conclusion of Psalm 17: "For this cause will I praise Thee, O Lord, before the nations." Theodoret comments on this, noting that many nations have attained salvation through the inspired messages of our Savior shared by Jewish preachers.

In this passage, David expresses gratitude, recognizing that God will aid His devoted followers in the end, allowing them to honor His goodness. He references musical instruments such as the harp and psaltery, reflecting the customs of his time. It is evident that the use of such instruments in Jewish worship was an intrinsic part of the ceremonial law and sacred service. This reflects the public and solemn expressions of thanksgiving among the ancients. Today, while it is permissible to use musical instruments in private settings, they are not permitted in the temples without the clear leading of the Holy Spirit, as Paul instructs us to communicate and pray in understood languages (1 Cor. 14:13).

The descendants of Jonadab are intended to embody obedience, as they adhered faithfully to their father Jonadab’s commandments throughout their lives, thus earning eternal commendation from God (Jeremiah 35:18-19). They stand as exemplars of unwavering obedience, contrasting with the original captives of sin, Adam and Eve, who were led into Babylon due to their rebellion against the divine command. The Jewish people, initially taken captive to Babylon because of their defiance of God's law, are distinct from this captivity. The sons of Jonadab, who heeded their father's instructions, are honored in the title of this psalm, serving both as a model for those who willingly follow God's law and as a cautionary lesson for those who reject the Divine mandate.