What does Psalm 150:3 mean?
The psalm began with a call for praise (Psalm 150:1), rooted in the Lord's incredible magnitude and powerful acts (Psalm 150:2). The rest of the song poetically lists instruments which can be used to worship Him. This list is not a prescription: it does not imply that other instruments cannot be used. Rather, the psalmist's point is that everything—including our voices—should be used in our effort to praise God. The list makes a symbolic inclusion of every type of music, from inanimate objects to vital breath.In Hebrew, two common instrument names are nē'bel and kinnor'. Either of these may be translated as "harp" or "lute." Some translations use the term "lyre," as well. Both would have been relatively small frames used to stretch strings, which were plucked to make music (1 Chronicles 25:1; Revelation 5:8).
A "trumpet" is the Hebrew sopār'. This typically refers to a ram's horn; the traditional curved horn is often given the English label "shofar" (Joshua 6:4; 1 Samuel 13:3; 2 Samuel 6:15; Joel 2:15). The priests and Levites employed this instrument.
Psalm 150:3–6 lists many of the ways in which God's people can praise Him. This includes all manner of in-struments as well as one's own voice. The psalmist calls on everything alive (Genesis 1:30; Isaiah 42:5) to join in this unified worship of the Lord God. This supports the idea that Scripture calls on mankind to use instruments and music "in general," and does not prohibit instruments not explicitly named in the Bible.
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!"
