Psalm 150
Psalm 150 is the final psalm in the book and is a powerful call to worship. It emphasizes praising God in every possible way and in every place. The psalmist lists various instruments and settings for praise, reflecting the universal and all-encompassing nature of true worship. It’s a fitting conclusion to the Psalms, reminding all creation to give glory to God.
Psalm 150:1 (NKJV)
1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
The psalm begins with a call to praise God in two locations: the sanctuary, representing the place of worship on earth, and the firmament, which signifies the heavens. It highlights that God’s glory and presence extend both in heaven and on earth, and therefore, He is to be praised universally, wherever His presence is known.
Psalm 150:2 (NKJV)
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Here, the focus is on praising God for His powerful works and His greatness. His mighty acts could include creation, miracles, and His ongoing sustenance of the universe. God’s excellent greatness refers to His unmatched character and supremacy over all things, making Him deserving of the highest praise.
Psalm 150:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
These verses list various instruments used to praise God, from the trumpet to stringed instruments and flutes. The inclusion of dance emphasizes that worship is not limited to just words or music but can also involve physical expressions of joy and reverence. The diversity of instruments shows that all forms of artistic expression can be used to glorify God.
Psalm 150:5 (NKJV)
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
The psalm continues with the mention of cymbals, instruments known for their loud, dramatic sound. The repetition of praising God with cymbals indicates the intensity and energy with which God should be praised. It suggests that worship should be vibrant and enthusiastic, reflecting the majesty of the One being praised.
Psalm 150:6 (NKJV)
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
The conclusion calls on every living being to praise God, signifying the inclusivity of worship. It’s not limited to humans or any particular group, but all creation that breathes is invited to join in praising the Creator. This final verse encapsulates the overarching theme of the Psalms: all of life is to be a symphony of praise to God.