Psalm 150 explained: Everything That Breathes, Praise

Where to praise (v. 1)

The opening and closing words are the Hebrew "Hallelujah", meaning "praise the LORD". The "sanctuary" may be the temple in Jerusalem or God's dwelling in the highest heavens; interpreters read it both ways, and the second line points to the vast sky as a sign of God's power.

Why to praise (v. 2)

Two reasons are given: God's mighty acts, meaning what he has done, and his greatness, meaning who he is. The Hebrew for "surpassing greatness" suggests an overflowing abundance of greatness.

An orchestra and dancing (vv. 3-5)

The trumpet is the ram's horn used to call people together for worship, joined by harps and lyres, hand drums with dancing, strings, pipes and two kinds of cymbals. Scholars are unsure exactly what some of these instruments were, but together they picture the fullest, loudest celebration Israel's worship knew.

Every living thing joins (v. 6)

The call widens to everything that has breath, which may mean all people or all living creatures; interpreters differ. Psalms 146 to 150 each begin and end with "praise the LORD", so a collection that holds many cries of pain and doubt closes on praise alone.

Key verse: Psalm 150:6

Something to think about

When something moves you so deeply that words alone feel too small, how do you find yourself expressing it?