David alone of the prophets prophesied with an instrument, called by the Greeks the \u201cpsaltery,\u201d and by the Hebrews the \u201cnabla,\u201d which is the only musical instrument that is quite straight, and has no curve. And the sound does not come from the lower parts, as is the case with the lute and certain other instruments, but from the upper. For in the lute and the lyre the brass when struck gives back the sound from beneath. But this psaltery has the source of its musical numbers above, in order that we, too, may practise seeking things above, and not suffer ourselves to be borne down by the pleasure of melody to the passions of the flesh. And I think that this truth, too, was signified deeply and clearly to us in a prophetic way in the construction of the instrument, viz., that those who have souls well ordered and trained, have the way ready to things above. And again, an instrument having the source of its melodious sound in its upper parts, may be taken as like the body of Christ and His saints\u2014the only instrument that maintains rectitude; \u201cfor He did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.\u201d This is indeed an instrument, harmonious, melodious, well-ordered, that took in no human discord, and did nothing out of measure, but maintained in all things, as it were, harmony towards the Father; for, as He says: \u201cHe that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven, testifies of what He has seen and heard.<\/p>\n
As there are \u201cpsalms,\u201d and \u201csongs,\u201d and \u201cpsalms of song,\u201d and \u201csongs of psalmody,\u201d it remains that we discuss the difference between these. We think, then, that the \u201cpsalms\u201d are those which are simply played to an instrument, without the accompaniment of the voice, and (which are composed) for the musical melody of the instrument; and that those are called \u201csongs\u201d which are rendered by the voice in concert with the music; and that they are called \u201cpsalms of song\u201d when the voice takes the lead, while the appropriate sound is also made to accompany it, rendered harmoniously by the instruments; and \u201csongs of psalmody,\u201d when the instrument takes the lead, while the voice has the second place, and accompanies the music of the strings. And thus much as to the letter of what is signified by these terms. But as to the mystical interpretation, it would be a \u201cpsalm\u201d when, by smiting the instrument, viz., the body, with good deeds we succeed in good action though not wholly proficient in speculation; and a \u201csong,\u201d when, by revolving the mysteries of the truth, apart from the practical, and assenting fully to them, we have the noblest thoughts of God and His oracles, while knowledge enlightens us, and wisdom shines brightly in our souls; and a \u201csong of psalmody,\u201d when, while good action takes the lead, according to the word, \u201cIf thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee,\u201d we understand wisdom at the same time, and are deemed worthy by God to know the truth of things, till now kept hid from us; and a \u201cpsalm of song,\u201d when, by revolving with the light of wisdom some of the more abstruse questions pertaining to morals, we first become prudent in action, and then also able to tell what, and when, and how action is to be taken.<\/p>\n
And perhaps this is the reason why the first inscriptions nowhere contain the word \u201csongs,\u201d but only \u201cpsalm\u201d or \u201cpsalms;\u201d for the saint does not begin with speculation; but when he has become in a simple way a believer, according to orthodoxy, he devotes himself to the actions that are to be done. For this reason, also, are there many \u201csongs\u201d at the end; and wherever there is the word \u201cdegrees,\u201d there we do not find the word \u201cpsalm,\u201d whether by itself alone or with any addition, but only \u201csongs.\u201d For in the \u201cdegrees\u201d (or \u201cascents\u201d), the saints will be engaged in nothing but in speculation alone.<\/p>\n