Psalm 81:2

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 2. Timbrel. The toph, English version tabret, timbrel, LXX., tumpanon, once yalthrion. It was what would now be called a tambourine, being played by the hand; and was specially used by women. It is thrice mentioned in the Ps 81:2 Psalms 149:3 150:4. Joseph Francis Thrupp.

Verse 2. The Psaltery. It is probably impossible to be sure as to what is intended by a psaltery. The Genevan version translates it viol, and the ancient viol was a six stringed guitar. In the Prayer book version, the Hebrew word is rendered lute, which instrument resembled the guitar, but was superior in tone. The Greek word "psalterion" denotes a stringed instrument played with the fingers. Cassidorus says that the psaltery was triangular in shape, and that it was played with a bow. Aben Ezra evidently considered it to be a kind of pipe, but the mass of authorities make it a stringed instrument. It was long in use, for we read of it in David's time as made of fir wood ( 2 Samuel 6:55 ), and in Solomon's reign, of algum trees ( 2 Chronicles 9:11 ), and it was still in use in the days of Nebuchadnezzar.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 1-3. See Psalms on "Psalms 81:1" for further information.