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.