Psalm 150
Hallelujah
Noun: A shout or song of praise or thanksgiving.
Interjection: To express praise, joy, or thanks.
Psalm 150
1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
The Summons to Praise
Psalm 150 is the capstone of the Psalter. It is a fitting conclusion to the inspired hymnal of Israel, and it stands as a comprehensive call to worship that is as relevant today as it was when first penned. After a journey through prayers of lament, confession, thanksgiving, and hope, the Psalter concludes not with a whimper, but with a shout: “Praise the Lord!” This psalm brings us to the ultimate purpose of all creation: to glorify God.
The Command to Praise
The psalm opens with a simple, yet profound imperative: “Praise the Lord!” (v.1). This is not a suggestion, but a command. The Hebrew word “Hallelujah” is both a call to worship and an acknowledgment of God’s worthiness. True worship is not optional for the believer; it is the natural response to the revelation of who God is.
The Scope of Praise
The psalmist instructs us to praise God “in His sanctuary” and “in His mighty expanse.” This encompasses both the earthly temple and the vastness of the heavens. In other words, there is no place where God’s praise is out of place. Whether in a church, at home, or under the open sky, every place is fitting for praise because all creation belongs to Him. As one commentator notes, “His glory fills the universe; his praise must do no less”.
The Cause for Praise
Verse 2 gives us the reason for our praise: “Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness.” God is to be praised both for what He has done and for who He is. His mighty acts are seen in creation, providence, and redemption. But even if He had done nothing for us, His intrinsic greatness would still demand our worship. The focus is always on God, not on ourselves or our circumstances.
The Means of Praise
Verses 3-5 detail the instruments and expressions of praise. Trumpet, harp, lyre, timbrel, dancing, stringed instruments, pipe, and cymbals-all are to be employed in the worship of God. The variety of instruments signifies the fullness and diversity of praise that God deserves. Worship is not to be half-hearted or mechanical; it is to be exuberant, skillful, and heartfelt.
The Universality of Praise
The psalm concludes: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (v.6). This is an all-encompassing summons. Every living creature is obligated to praise its Creator. For the believer, this is not a burden, but a joy. We exist to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. As long as we have breath, we have reason, and responsibility, to praise.
Application
Psalm 150 confronts us with the reality that God is worthy of our highest praise. Our worship should be marked by reverence, joy, and wholehearted devotion. It is not about personal preference or style; it is about the glory of God. As John MacArthur has often emphasized, worship is not entertainment-it is offering our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
Romans 12:1
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Practical Steps to Make Your Daily Prayers Reflect the Praise of Psalm 150
- How can I begin with intentional praise?
- How can I let every breath and moment become praise?
- How can I incorporate Scripture into my prayers?
- How can I praise through actions and service?
- How can I use music and creative expression in my praise?
- How can I practice praise in stillness?
- How can I make praise a habit?
- Where can I get help?