EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Anyone can sing; only
a believer can give praise
___
Psalm 150
___By Dillard Wilbanks
___Travis Avenue Baptist Church, Fort Worth
___This Psalm is an appropriate close to the entire book. In view of all that has been disclosed about God's manifestations of mercy and grace to his people, there is occasion for praise. Developmentally, the Psalmist tells us where, why and how God should be praised and by whom.
___ Where should God be praised (Psalm 150:1)? Praise is the poetry of worship and the outflow of adoring affection. Sanctuary is probably an allusion to the temple--the 
holy place where God dwelt and where his people gathered. Whenever we assemble as God's people, our priority should be to present praises unto the Lord our God. The mighty expanse is the heavens-- the sun, moon and stars. This call to praise includes both saints on earth and angels in heaven.
___ Why should God be praised (Psalm 150:2)? The mighty deeds for which God is to praised are those which display his power. For the psalmist these included that part of God's creation which could be observed with the human eye and the experiences of his direct intervention on behalf of his people, Israel. He knew nothing of what we scientifically know of the vastness of God's mighty deeds in creation. Neither could he have known what we experientially know of God's resurrection power operative in our lives through the Spirit of our Lord Jesus.
___How much more do we have reason to praise him! In how many ways can we do so?
___Not only is God to be praised for his mighty deeds but for his excellent greatness. This is a reference to both the measure and quality as evidenced in creation, preservation and the redemption of his people.
___ How God should be praised (Psalm 150:3-5). The instruments with which he is to be praised are significant. The three kinds mentioned are the only three known by the Hebrews: wind, string, and percussion. The trumpet was principally used to call the people together, for solemn religious services and for military purposes. The pipe is one of the first instruments mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 4:21). The word is derived from a verb meaning to breathe, to blow.
___The harp and lyre were both stringed instruments. The lyre (psaltery) was the very first instrument mentioned in Genesis. It was a large portable harp and the national instrument of the Jews (Psalm 137). Percussion instruments included the timbrel, a tambourine-like instrument struck with the hands and the cymbals or bells.
___The point here is that the Hebrews were to use every instrument they had to its highest end--the praise of God. Any musician can play. Only the worshiper can "praise." Perhaps the greatest instrument of praise in modern worship is the human voice. Whatever our instrument, in worship it must become a medium between the soul and God.
___ Who should praise God? (Psalm 150:6). Whatever is now lacking in the exhortation of this psalm is completed in the last line. As all breath comes from him, it should be used for him. In beginning (v.1) and ending with praise, the psalmist solidifies his intent to secure it both in our hearts and on our lips.
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