2. The cause 150:2All God’s powerful acts and His surpassing greatness call for praise. These are general categories describing the works and character of God. The psalmist could have cited many specific examples in each category."To praise the abundance of his power is the purpose which links together the most diverse voices in heaven and on earth in a tremendous symphonic hymn of praise." [Note: Weiser, p. 841.] read more
3. The celebration 150:3-5These verses cite a few examples of the accompaniments to Israel’s verbal worship that were appropriate in her culture. They included wind, stringed, and percussion instruments, as well as joyful dancing. [Note: See VanGemeren, pp. 879-80, for an excursus on musical instruments used in Israel’s worship in the Old Testament.] This would have been a noisy celebration. read more
4. The culmination 150:6Having dealt with the "where" and "how" of worship, the psalmist now specified the "who." "Everything that has breath" should praise Yahweh. In the light of the context, he was undoubtedly thinking of all kinds of people. This verse is a fitting conclusion to the Book of Psalms.All people should praise God. This is the message of the book. read more
This is ’the grand Finale of the spiritual concert,’ and worthily closes not only this little Hallelujah group, but the whole Psalter.1. Firmament of his power] the spreading roof of the sky which His power has made.3. Trumpet] i.e. Shopher, a kind of horn.Psaltery] i.e. Nebhel, a species of harp, or guitar, or lyre, with a bulging resonance box at one end. Harp] i.e. Kinnor, the most ancient form of harp; a lyre. 4. Timbrel] i.e. Toph, a circlet of wood covered with skin and ornamented with... read more
CL.In the place of the short doxology, such as concludes each of the former books of the psalter, this psalm was fitly composed or selected to close the whole collection. It has been well called “the finale of the spiritual concert,” and no doubt afforded a good musical display, music performed with full orchestra and choir, every kind of instrument known to the Hebrews, wind, string, and percussion, being mentioned, and in the last verse all who had breath and voice being invited to join. The... read more
(1) Sanctuary—That is, the temple. Some take it in direct parallelism with firmament, and understand the “heavenly palace,” or “Temple” (comp. Psalms 11:4); but, as in Psalms 148:0, the invocation to praise includes heaven and earth; so here, but in the reverse order, the earthly sanctuary first, and the sublime things done on earth (Psalms 150:2), then heaven and the exalted greatness there. read more
(2) Mighty acts . . . excellent greatness.—The one displayed on earth, the other manifested in heaven. (See preceding Note.) read more
(3) Trumpet.—Heb., shôphar. (See Psalms 81:3; Psalms 98:6. LXX., σάλπιγξ.) It was the crooked horn, sometimes also called keren. (Bïble Educator, 2:231.)Psaltery and harp.—See Note, Psalms 33:2. read more
(4) Timbrel and dance.—See Psalms 149:3.Stringed instruments.—Minnîm. Literally, parts, so threads, so here, as in LXX. and Vulg., “with” or “on strings.” (See Note, Psalms 45:9.)Organs.—Heb., ‘ugab, which has been variously identified with the syrinx, or Pan’s pipes, of the Greeks, with the “bagpipe,” and even with a rude instrument embodying the principle of the modern organ. (See Bible Educator, 2:70, 183, 229.) read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 150:1-6
Psalms 150The inspired poet called on every person to praise Yahweh for His powerful deeds and supreme greatness (10 times out of the 13 uses of "praise" in this psalm). This psalm serves as a final doxology, bringing the collection of psalms to a solemn and joyful conclusion."The conclusion of the Psalter is this extravagant summons to praise, which seeks to mobilize all creation with a spontaneous and unreserved act of adoration, praise, gratitude, and awe. There are no ’bases’ given; no... read more