Bible Commentaries
Psalms 150

Verses 1-6

Psalms 150

A General Psalm to All Men

Stripture vs. 1-6

As the 149th Psalm was a "particular psalm," addressed specifically, restrictedly and definitively to Israel, this 150th is a "General Psalm," addressed to "all who have breath," to praise, give Hallelujah joy and glory to the Lord, in word, song, testimony, and in harmony with the use of mechanical, musical instruments, in praising the Lord. ft is the General Psalms that are specifically authorized to be used in church worship today, as directed by Paul, as he preached the doctrines of Christ, Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:15; Colossians 3:17. Even those who oppose the use of musical instruments in church worship today, as directed Psalms 33, 150 themselves, with much piety, read and use the 23rd (General Psalm), in funerals and hours of sorrow, as applicable to people today.

Verse 1 calls for shouts of Hallelujah joy praise to the Lord God in His sanctuary (public assembly in the church) Ephesians 3:21; and second in the firmament of his power; Let the sun, the moon, and the stars keep on telling of His glory too, as described, Psalms 19:1-6; Psalms 68:33-34.

Verse 2 calls for praise from all who have breath, v.6, because of: 1) His mighty Acts , , 2) in harmony with His excellent greatness, as described both in His creative and sustaining acts over all things, Deuteronomy 3:24; Psalms 145:5-6; Psalms 148:13; 1 Chronicles 29:12. For His work in creation, providence, and eternal redemption He is to be praised.

Verse 3 calls for joyful praise to this Almighty God with (in harmony with) the sound of the trumpet, Leviticus 25:9, the psaltery, and the harp, mechanical, musical instruments used in praising God in public worship, with Divine sanction, before, during, and after the law of Moses, Psalms 87:6-7; 1 Samuel 10:5; Daniel 3:5; Genesis 4:21; See also 2 Samuel 6:5; Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:27.

Verse 4 adds, "Praise him with (in symphony or harmony with) the timbrel and dance," musical instruments of most ancient times, used in public worship and accepted of the Lord, as Divine praise, Exodus 15:20; It is added, "Praise him (also) with stringed instruments and organs," of a plurality of kinds of each, Genesis 4:21.

Verse 5 concludes enumeration of the kinds of musical instruments that were to be used in connection with praising God, with the highest of Hallelujah joy, admonishing; "Praise him upon the loud cymbals, and upon the high sounding cymbals, 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Corinthians 12:1. Where the plural numbers is used there were three or more kinds of each instrument, according to Hebrew usage of the plural in number. This means there were at least 14 different kinds of musical instruments Divinely sanctioned, directed to be used by the redeemed of that and all succeeding ages, with which to praise the Lord in His sanctuary, public church worship today; a sufficient number for a fine, moving orchestra; Nehemiah 12:27. Little wonder it is, David said, declared that when the Lord counted up, calculated the people, in His Holy city, "As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs (strength, trust) is in thee," Psalms 87:6-7.

Verse 6 concludes all the Psalms and the Hallelujah chorus, 146-150, with the appeal, "Let everything (or person and thing) that hath breath (that is alive) praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord," with Hallelujah joy, for redemption’s victory, through the blood of the lamb, as attested, Revelation 5:13; Revelation 19:1-9.

"All hail the power of Jesus’ name, Let angels prostrate fall,

Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all,"

BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCE BOOKS

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