Take a psalm. — Rather, Strike up a tune (with voice and harp).
Bring hither the timbrel. — Literally, Give a timbrel (or, drum), which evidently means “sound the timbrel,” and may, perhaps, be explained by a phrase sometimes found in Hebrew — “Give a voice,” i.e., speak. Such phrases as “Let them have the drum,” “Give them the drum,” may illustrate the expression. (For the instrument, tôph, see Exodus 15:20, and consult Bible Educator, 2:214 seq.)
Harp... psaltery. — See Note, Psalms 33:2.