Upon an instrument of ten strings - The general idea in this verse is, that instruments “of all kinds” are to be employed in celebrating the praises of God. On the instrument here referred to, see the notes at Psalms 33:2.
And upon the psaltery - Or “lyre.” See the notes at Isaiah 5:12. The word is there translated viol.
Upon the harp with a solemn sound - Margin, upon the solemn sound with the harp.” Prof. Alexander renders this, “On meditation with a harp.” On the word rendered “harp,” see the notes at Isaiah 5:12. The Hebrew word rendered “solemn sound” is הגיון higgâyôn which means properly “murmur;” then, the sound of a harp; and then, meditation. See the notes at Psalms 9:16. Here the meaning seems to be, “with murmurs upon the harp;” that is, with the sound of the harp - its murmuring tones. It does not denote here a distinct instrument of music, but it refers to the tones of the harp: not to the meditations of the mind - of the worshipper - but to the low and gentle sounds of the instrument itself.