Bible Commentaries
Psalms 150

Introduction

Psalms 150:0

STROPHE DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see “Guide to Good Bible Reading”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Etc.

Verses 1-2

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 150:1-2 1Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. 2Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Psalms 150:1-6 The only verb is “praise” (BDB 237, B 248) used thirteen times.

1. twelve Piel imperatives (in Psalm 146-150, thirty-three times)

2. one Piel imperfect used in a jussive sense (cf. Psalms 150:6a)

Notice the prepositions.

1. in a place

a. in His sanctuary

b. in His mighty expanse

2. because

a. His mighty deeds

b. His excellent greatness

3. with musical instruments (what type is not always clear)

a. trumpet (BDB 1051)

b. harp (BDB 490, cf. 2 Samuel 6:5)

c. lyre (BDB 614, cf. 2 Samuel 6:5)

d. timbrel (BDB 1074)

e. stringed instruments (BDB 577 I)

f. pipe (BDB 721, NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 334)

g. cymbals (BDB 852, cf. 2 Samuel 6:5)

4. with dancing, Psalms 150:4

5. with breath, Psalms 150:6

Psalms 150:1 This verse may be a literary way of paralleling Psalms 150:6a.

The “sanctuary” (i.e., temple or on earth, cf. Psalms 148:7-12; the LXX has “among His saints”) would denote earth and the “expanse” (the celestial realm, cf. Psalms 148:1-4).

It is possible that both Psalms 150:1b and 1c refer to YHWH's (El in Psalms 150:1b) abode (cf. Psalms 11:4).

Psalms 150:2 “His mighty deeds” See notes on Psalms 145:4, Psalms 145:5, Psalms 145:6, Psalms 145:7, Psalms 145:9, Psalms 145:12.

Verses 3-6

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 150:3-6 3Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. 4Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. 5Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. 6Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

Psalms 150:3 “trumpet” These are blown by priests. See SPECIAL TOPIC: HORNS USED BY ISRAEL.

▣ “harp and lyre” These were instruments used by the Levites in temple worship (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:16; 2 Chronicles 29:25; Nehemiah 12:27).

Psalms 150:6a What a beautiful way to speak of animate creation (human and animal) praising the Creator (cf. Psalms 103:19-22; Psalms 145:21; Psalms 148:7-12.