◄ Psalm 150 ►
Book Sum People Lessons Que
Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the LORD 1Hallelujah!a Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens.b 2Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness. 3Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. 4Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. 5Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. 6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Hallelujah! Footnotes: 1 a Or Hallelu YAH, meaning Praise the LORD; also in verse 6 1 b Or in the expanse of His might or in the firmament of His might; see also Genesis 1:6–8. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 150 Summary Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the LORD Verses 1 – Where to Praise The psalm opens with “Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens”. Worship is pictured in two arenas: the earthly place of gathering and the vast heavenly expanse. Whether in the temple courts or under the open sky, all praise centers on the one true God. Verses 2 – Why to Praise “Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness”. God’s deeds—creation, deliverance, provision—are concrete reasons for thanksgiving, and His very character—majestic, holy, limitless—demands honor. Verses 3–5 – How to Praise A joyful procession of instruments leads the celebration: trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, strings, flute, and cymbals. The list paints a full orchestra, signaling that every sound available to God’s people should be offered back to Him. Verse 6 – Who Should Praise “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!”. The circle widens from Israel to every breathing creature. The psalter ends by throwing open the doors of praise to the whole creation. Psalm 150 serves as the grand finale of the Book of Psalms, a joyful and resounding call for universal praise to God. The Psalm doesn't merely request praise but commands it, specifying where, why, and how it should be offered. This is a Psalm which presents a unique blend of the divine and the human, where spiritual sentiments are exquisitely expressed through earthly instruments. Context and Setting Psalm 150 is the closing doxology of the entire Book of Psalms. Psalm 146-150 form a final “Hallelujah” suite, each starting and ending with the same word. Like a triumphant finale in a symphony, Psalm 150 gathers every theme of worship introduced earlier—trust, lament, thanksgiving—and funnels them into a single command: praise. Structure and Literary Flow • Opening command (v. 1) • Double motivation (v. 2) • Sevenfold call with instruments (vv. 3-5) • Universal invitation (v. 6) The symmetry (two calls in v. 1, two reasons in v. 2, seven instruments, and one final summons) creates mounting excitement that peaks in the last “Hallelujah.” Praise in the Sanctuary and in the Heavens – “Sanctuary” points to the earthly temple (1 Kings 8:10-13). – “Mighty heavens” echoes Genesis 1:14-17 and Psalm 19:1, hinting that the starry host joins the choir. Together they show that worship is not confined by walls; it reverberates across the cosmos. Reasons for Praise: His Power and Acts “His mighty acts” recalls the Exodus (Exodus 15:1-13), conquest (Joshua 21:44-45), and return from exile (Ezra 1:1-4). “His excellent greatness” is a summary of God’s unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). Worship that forgets either God’s deeds or God’s character turns hollow; Psalm 150 holds both together. Instruments of Praise: An Ancient Orchestra • Trumpet (Hebrew shofar): blown by priests in Numbers 10:10 and at Jericho (Joshua 6). • Harp & Lyre: stringed instruments used by David (1 Samuel 16:23). • Tambourine: linked to celebration with Miriam (Exodus 15:20). • Strings & Flute: woodwinds and further strings broaden the tonal range. • Cymbals: clashing percussion led temple processions (1 Chronicles 15:16). The variety shows that worship employs skill, creativity, and energy. It also models unity—diverse sounds forming one song. All Creation Called to Praise “Everything that has breath” ties back to Genesis 2:7, where breath marks life from God. The same phrase is echoed forward in Revelation 5:13, where “every creature … in heaven and on earth and under the earth” joins in praise. Psalm 150 stands as a gateway from Israel’s hymnbook to the chorus of eternity. Connections to the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 6:3—Angelic praise fills heaven; Psalm 150 invites earth to match it. • Luke 19:37-40—When disciples praise, Jesus says stones could cry out, reflecting Psalm 150’s universal call. • Acts 16:25—Paul and Silas sing in prison, proving praise is possible anywhere, matching “sanctuary and heavens.” • Colossians 3:16—Believers are urged to sing with gratitude, echoing the psalm’s focus on God’s deeds and nature. Archaeological and Historical Insights – Silver trumpets unearthed near Jerusalem resemble those pictured on the Arch of Titus, matching the “trumpet” of v. 3. – Ancient lyres carved on seals from Megiddo date to the 8th century BC, confirming stringed worship instruments. – Assyrian reliefs depict large frame drums similar to tambourines, showing such percussion was common across the Near East and easily adopted into Israel’s praise. Practical Application for Today 1. Include the whole congregation—young, old, trained musicians, and casual singers—because “everything that has breath” is invited. 2. Let worship be rooted in what God has done and who He is. Recount His acts in your life just as Israel remembered the Exodus. 3. Use creativity. While your church may not have ancient trumpets, guitars, pianos, and digital tools can fulfill the same role. 4. Remember location is no barrier. Praise in a sanctuary, a living room, a hospital room, or under the night sky—all are fitting stages for Psalm 150 worship. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. Revelation 5:13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!' Teaching Points The Call to Praise Psalm 150:1 begins with a universal call to praise: Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing that praise is due to God both in His earthly sanctuary and in the vastness of the heavens. Reasons for Praise Verse 2 provides the reasons for our praise: Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness. We are reminded to praise God not only for what He has done but also for who He is—His character and His greatness. Instruments of Praise Verses 3-5 list various instruments used in worship: Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals. This diversity of instruments signifies that all forms of music and expression can be used to glorify God. Universal Participation The psalm concludes with an inclusive invitation in verse 6: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! This final verse underscores that all living beings are called to participate in the worship of God. Practical Applications Incorporate Praise Daily Make it a habit to start and end your day with praise, acknowledging God's presence and His works in your life. Use Your Talents Whether through music, art, or other forms of expression, use your unique talents to glorify God and lead others in worship. Praise in Community Engage in corporate worship with fellow believers, recognizing the power of collective praise in strengthening faith and community bonds. Praise in Trials Cultivate a heart of praise even in difficult times, trusting that God is sovereign and worthy of worship regardless of circumstances. People 1. God The central figure of Psalm 150, God is the one being praised. The psalm opens with "Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 150:1), indicating that the LORD (Yahweh) is the recipient of all praise. The Hebrew word for LORD is "YHWH," which is the sacred name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. The Worshipers While not explicitly named, the worshipers are the people called to praise God. The psalm repeatedly uses the imperative "praise," suggesting that the community of believers is being addressed. The Hebrew root for "praise" is "הלל" (halal), which means to boast or to glorify. 3. Musicians Implied through the mention of various musical instruments, musicians are those who play instruments to glorify God. Instruments such as the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, strings, flute, and cymbals are mentioned, indicating the involvement of skilled individuals in worship. 4. All Living Beings The psalm concludes with "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD" (Psalm 150:6). This broadens the scope to include all living creatures, emphasizing that all creation is called to participate in the praise of God. The Hebrew word for "breath" is "נשמה" (neshamah), which can also mean spirit or life force. Places 1. His Sanctuary The term "sanctuary" (Hebrew: מִקְדָּשׁ, ^miqdash^) refers to a holy place set apart for worship. In the context of ancient Israel, this would have been the temple in Jerusalem, where God's presence was believed to dwell. 2. His Mighty Heavens The phrase "mighty heavens" (Hebrew: רָקִיעַ עֻזּוֹ, ^raqia uzzo^) refers to the expanse of the sky or the firmament, symbolizing the vastness and majesty of God's creation. It suggests that God's praise is not confined to earthly places but extends throughout the universe. Events 1. Praise God in His Sanctuary The psalm begins with a call to "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary" (Psalm 150:1). The term "sanctuary" refers to a holy place, indicating the temple or a place set apart for worship. The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" is "מִקְדָּשׁ" (miqdash), emphasizing a sacred space. 2. Praise Him in His Mighty Heavens The verse continues with "Praise Him in His mighty heavens" (Psalm 150:1). This expands the call to praise beyond the earthly temple to the vast expanse of the heavens, highlighting God's omnipresence and majesty. The Hebrew word "רָקִיעַ" (raqia) is often translated as "expanse" or "firmament." 3. Praise Him for His Mighty Acts The psalmist urges, "Praise Him for His mighty acts" (Psalm 150:2). This refers to the powerful deeds and miracles God has performed throughout history, showcasing His strength and intervention in the world. The Hebrew word "גְּבוּרָה" (geburah) signifies might or power. 4. Praise Him for His Excellent Greatness The next call is to "Praise Him for His excellent greatness" (Psalm 150:2). This emphasizes God's supreme and unparalleled greatness. The Hebrew word "רֹב" (rov) means abundance or multitude, indicating the vastness of God's greatness. 5. Praise Him with the Sound of the Trumpet The psalm instructs, "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet" (Psalm 150:3). The trumpet, or "שׁוֹפָר" (shofar) in Hebrew, was used in religious ceremonies and as a call to worship. 6. Praise Him with Harp and Lyre The verse continues, "Praise Him with harp and lyre" (Psalm 150:3). These stringed instruments were commonly used in Hebrew worship, symbolizing joy and celebration. 7. Praise Him with Tambourine and Dancing The psalmist adds, "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing" (Psalm 150:4). This suggests a lively and expressive form of worship, incorporating movement and rhythm. 8. Praise Him with Strings and Flute The call to worship includes, "Praise Him with strings and flute" (Psalm 150:4). These instruments add melody and harmony to the worship experience. 9. Praise Him with Resounding Cymbals The psalm continues, "Praise Him with resounding cymbals" (Psalm 150:5). Cymbals produce a loud, crashing sound, signifying exuberant praise. 10. Praise Him with Clashing Cymbals The final instrument mentioned is, "Praise Him with clashing cymbals" (Psalm 150:5). This reinforces the idea of vibrant and enthusiastic worship. 11. Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the LORD The psalm concludes with a universal call: "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" (Psalm 150:6). This emphasizes that all living beings are called to worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. The Hebrew word "הַלְלוּיָהּ" (hallelujah) means "Praise the LORD." Lessons from Psalm 150 1. Praise is a Command, Not a Suggestion Psalm 150 opens with a clear directive: "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens" (Psalm 150:1). This isn't a polite request; it's a divine command. Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and majesty. Whether in church or under the vast sky, every moment is an opportunity to glorify Him. 2. Celebrate His Mighty Acts The psalmist reminds us to "praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness" (Psalm 150:2). Reflect on the wonders God has performed throughout history and in your own life. From creation to the resurrection, His deeds are awe-inspiring. Let these acts fuel your gratitude and worship. 3. Use Every Instrument at Your Disposal Psalm 150 encourages us to "praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre" (Psalm 150:3). This isn't just about musical instruments; it's about using every resource and talent you have to honor God. Whether you sing, write, or serve, let your unique gifts be a melody of praise. 4. Dance with Joyful Abandon "Praise Him with tambourine and dancing" (Psalm 150:4) invites us to express our joy physically. Dance is a universal language of celebration. When we dance for the Lord, we embody the joy and freedom found in His presence. Let your heart and feet move in harmony with His love. 5. Embrace the Power of Percussion The psalmist calls us to "praise Him with strings and flute" (Psalm 150:4). Percussion instruments like tambourines and cymbals add rhythm and energy to our worship. They remind us that our praise should be vibrant and dynamic, reflecting the living God we serve. 6. Let Cymbals Resound Psalm 150:5 says, "Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals". Cymbals are loud and attention-grabbing, symbolizing the boldness of our praise. Don't hold back; let your worship be as resounding as the cymbals, declaring God's glory to all who hear. 7. Every Breath is an Opportunity to Praise The psalm concludes with a powerful call: "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD" (Psalm 150:6). Every breath we take is a gift from God, and with each one, we have the chance to honor Him. Make praise a natural part of your daily rhythm, as essential as breathing. 8. Praise Unites Heaven and Earth When we praise God, we join a chorus that spans both heaven and earth. Psalm 150 reminds us that our worship is part of a larger, eternal symphony. As we lift our voices, we connect with believers across time and space, united in our adoration of the Creator. 9. Praise Transforms Our Perspective Engaging in heartfelt praise shifts our focus from our problems to God's power. Psalm 150 encourages us to look beyond our circumstances and see the bigger picture of God's plan. As we praise, our hearts are lifted, and our faith is strengthened. 10. Praise is the Language of Eternity Finally, Psalm 150 gives us a glimpse of eternity, where praise is the eternal occupation of the redeemed. As we practice praise now, we prepare for the heavenly worship that awaits us. Let your life be a rehearsal for the eternal praise that will echo through the ages. Topics 1. Call to Praise the LORD The psalm begins with a call to praise the LORD, emphasizing the importance of worship. The Hebrew word for "praise" used here is "halal" (הָלַל), which means to boast or celebrate. The verse reads: "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens" (Psalm 150:1). 2. Praise for God's Mighty Acts The psalmist encourages praising God for His mighty acts and surpassing greatness. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of God's power and majesty. The verse states: "Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness" (Psalm 150:2). 3. Praise with Musical Instruments A variety of musical instruments are mentioned as means to praise God, highlighting the use of music in worship. Instruments like the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, strings, flute, and cymbals are listed. The verses read: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals" (Psalm 150:3-5). 4. Universal Call to Praise The psalm concludes with a universal call for all living beings to praise the LORD. The Hebrew word "neshamah" (נְשָׁמָה) for "breath" signifies life and spirit. The final verse declares: "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 150:6). Themes 1. Praise in the Sanctuary Psalm 150:1 begins with "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary." The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, ^miqdash^) refers to a holy place, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in designated sacred spaces. 2. Praise in the Heavens The verse continues with "Praise Him in His mighty heavens." The Hebrew term for "heavens" (רָקִיעַ, ^raqia^) suggests the vast expanse of the sky, indicating that God's glory is to be acknowledged universally, beyond earthly confines. 3. Praise for His Mighty Deeds Verse 2 states, "Praise Him for His mighty acts." The Hebrew word for "mighty acts" (גְּבוּרָה, ^geburah^) highlights God's powerful interventions and miraculous works throughout history, deserving of recognition and gratitude. 4. Praise for His Excellent Greatness The same verse continues, "Praise Him for His excellent greatness." The Hebrew word for "greatness" (גָּדוֹל, ^gadol^) underscores the immeasurable and incomparable nature of God's majesty and authority. 5. Praise with Musical Instruments Verses 3-5 list various instruments: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet... with harp and lyre... with tambourine and dancing... with strings and flute... with resounding cymbals." This theme emphasizes the use of diverse musical expressions in worship, reflecting the Hebrew tradition of vibrant and joyful praise. 6. Universal Call to Praise The psalm concludes in verse 6 with "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD." The Hebrew word for "breath" (נְשָׁמָה, ^neshamah^) signifies life itself, calling all living beings to participate in the worship of God, acknowledging Him as the source of life. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Mighty Acts Offer prayers of gratitude for the specific ways God has worked in your life and in the world. Praise for God's Character Focus on God's attributes—His love, mercy, justice, and power—and praise Him for who He is. A Heart of Worship Ask God to cultivate in you a heart that is always ready to praise, regardless of your circumstances. Unity in Worship Pray for unity among believers, that the church would be a powerful witness through its collective worship and praise. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does Psalm 150:1 remain relevant when the “sanctuary” no longer exists as it did in ancient times? 2. Why does Psalm 150:3–5 emphasize musical instruments if many cultures and eras lacked access to these instruments? 3. How can an omnipotent deity require continuous praise, as commanded in Psalm 150:4–6, without seeming dependent on human worship? 4. Is there any historical or archeological evidence supporting the widespread use of the instruments listed in Psalm 150:3–5 at the time it was written? 5. How does the directive to use such celebratory worship in Psalm 150 align with passages advocating more solemn or silent reverence elsewhere in the Bible? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 150 encourage you to think about the nature of praise and worship? 2. How might the concept of praising God in His sanctuary and the mighty heavens apply to your daily life? 3. Why do you think the Psalmist emphasizes the use of different musical instruments in praising God? 4. What do the musical instruments used in the Psalm symbolize in the context of our lives today? 5. How can we apply the command to praise God for His acts of power and surpassing greatness in our own circumstances? 6. What does the universality of praise, as stated in verse 6, mean to you personally? 7. How can we incorporate the theme of universal praise in our interactions with others? 8. How does Psalm 150 challenge your understanding and practice of worship? 9. If every living creature that has breath is called to praise God, how might this influence our perspective on environmental stewardship and animal rights? 10. How does the concept of 'praise' presented in Psalm 150 compare to modern ideas of praise in your community or culture? 11. How can you create your own "symphony of praise" to God in your personal life? 12. How can we use this Psalm to enhance our corporate worship experiences? 13. How does the call for praise in all circumstances resonate with you in times of difficulty? 14. Given the musical emphasis in the Psalm, how can arts and culture play a role in worship and spreading God's message? 15. How does this Psalm inspire you to re-evaluate your commitment to praise and worship God? 16. How does the Psalmist's understanding of God's majesty challenge your own view of God? 17. How does this Psalm's emphasis on the physicality of worship (through music, dance) challenge or confirm your personal understanding of worship? 18. How does the Psalm's call for universal praise challenge your view of inclusivity in worship? 19. What barriers might prevent us from praising God as commanded in this Psalm, and how can we overcome them? 20. How can Psalm 150 inspire and guide us to cultivate a lifestyle of consistent, joyful, and comprehensive praise? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions