What does Psalm 150:1 mean?
The psalmist calls for worship of God, specifically in His "sanctuary." This might be a reference to the tabernacle (Hebrews 9:2) or temple (1 Kings 6:1; Psalm 73:17). However, paired statements in Hebrew are often meant as equivalents. Here, that would mean the God being praised is the One seated on His spiritual throne in heaven (Psalm 11:4; 102:19). The term for "heavens" here is also translated as "expanse" or "firmament." It is the same word seen in the creation account (Genesis 1:6–8).This verse begins with the Hebrew phrase halelu-yāh, literally translated as "praise Yah" where Yah is a contracted form of the name Yahweh (Exodus 3:15). In English, this translates to "Praise the Lord!" and is often transliterated as "hallelujah." The first two verses of this psalm (Psalm 150:2) focus on praising God for His divine attributes.
Psalm 150:1–2 gives reasons why the Lord ought to be praised. God is the One worshipped in Israel's temple (Psalm 73:17), though He is "seated" in heaven (Psalm 11:4). He is the Creator (Genesis 1:1). He has done in-credible things for His people (Psalm 78:2–4). Everything about His nature is worthy of worship and admiration (Psalm 29:1–2; 148:13).
This song uses a poetic form of repetition, calling for worship of the Lord. God should be praised for His attributes and mira-cles. All forms of instruments and singing should be included in this celebration. This psalm begins and ends with the He-brew phrase often translated into English as "hallelujah!"
