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Day 197

Psalm 81:1a "Sing aloud to God our strength..."

Day 197 – Psalm 81

“Sing aloud to God our strength…” Psalm 81:1a

SUPERSCRIPTION

To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of Asaph.

1. Normal features

a) Dedication of the Psalm to the Chief Musician.
b) Identification of the author of the Psalm- Asaph.

2. Special musical notation

a) “On an instrument of Gath”
b) This is the same musical notation found in the superscription of Psalm 8.
c) The actual Hebrew wording reads “Al Gittith”.
c) The word “Gittith” has been translated as “Gath”.
d) However it is not to be confused with the Philistine city of Gath.
e) We are not able to decipher the meaning of this musical notation.

DEEP COMMITMENTS

Asaph was committed to a number of things as a Levite. Three things may be highlighted:-

1. He was committed to praying for Israel.

2. He was also committed to teaching Israel the laws of God.

3. He was also very much committed to encouraging Israel to offer good and holy worship to God.

EXPRESSIONS OF COMMITMENTS

We see different and definite expressions of these commitments in the psalms of Asaph.

1. Psalm 78

Asaph fulfills his role as a teacher.

2. Psalm 79-80

Asaph fulfills his role as an intercessor.

3. Psalm 81

Asaph fulfills his role as a leader calling his congregation to worship.