Psalms 150 - Printer Friendly

The last song in Scripture's collection of psalms is a broad call. All living things are to use all methods to make wor-shipful praise of the Lord God. The text includes instruments of wind, strings, metal, percussion, voice, and even danc-ing.

First, the psalmist gives reasons that the Lord ought to be praised. He is the eternal (Isaiah 40:28; Colossians 1:16–17) Creator (Psalm 8:3–4; 19:1) seated in heaven (Deuteronomy 4:39) on His throne (Psalm 11:4). His miracles (Exodus 3:19–20; 14:21–22; Romans 16:27), intervention (Psalm 44:1–3; 78:2–4; Ezra 2:1), and divine attributes (Exodus 34:6–7; Job 42:2; Romans 11:33) all make him worthy of worship (Psalm 150:1–2).

Last, the song lists many methods of music in which the Lord can be praised. The references in-clude a wide variety of stringed, struck, and breath-operated instruments. This suggests that any means mankind might de-vise is worthy for use in worship. What matters is the intent behind the sounds (Psalm 95:1; 98:6; 100:1). Along those lines, dancing and singing—even the noise of animals—can be praises directed to the Lord. The psalm, and the en-tire collection of psalms, fittingly ends with the Hebrew phrase translated as "hallelujah," meaning "praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150:3–6).

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).

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!"

This song completes the biblical collection of psalms, which traditionally has five divisions. These are Psalm 1—41, 42—72, 73—89, 90—106, and 107—150. Each "book" division ends with an exclama-tion of praise (41:13; 72:18–19; 89:52; 106:48). The last five songs of this "book" each begin and end with the term halelu-yāh, literally meaning "praise the Lord!" The text broadly describes all manner of instruments, indicating that worshipful praise can take many forms and styles.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.