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150:1–6 This corporate praise psalm functions as the concluding doxology for the psalter. The psalm opens with a series of exhortations to praise Yahweh because of who He is. The psalmist wants Yahweh to be praised in the temple—the place that signified His dwelling place on earth—and in heaven, where the fullness of His glory dwells, for His deeds and character (vv. 1–2). He then exhorts the Israelites to praise Yahweh with a series of musical instruments, which implies great enthusiasm and joy (vv. 3–5). The psalm and psalter concludes with a final call for everything to praise Yahweh (v. 6).

An exhortation to praise Yahweh occurs at least twice in every verse of Psa 150. The common command to praise Yahweh (hallu-yah) opens and closes the psalm and the final book of Psalms, Book Five (see note on 1:1–6). Compare note on 146:1–10.

150:1–2 The exhortations to praise Yahweh cover the widest possible range; Yahweh is to be praised on earth, in heaven, for His past deeds in rescuing Israel, and for His character.

150:1 Praise Yah The Hebrew expression hallu-yah opens and closes this psalm. See 135:1 and note.

praise him The Hebrew exhortation used here, halluhu (commonly translated “praise him”), occurs nine times in Psa 150.

in his sanctuary The inner room of the Jerusalem temple.

Sanctuary HBD

Sanctuary NBD

firmament The Hebrew word used here, raqia', also occurs in Gen 1:6 to describe the vaulted dome that separates the waters above from the waters below. The psalmist may be envisioning praise from both earth and heaven.

Firmament EDB

Firmament HIBD

150:2 for his mighty deeds This often refers to Yahweh’s actions on behalf of the Israelites when He rescues them (compare Ps 145:4–7).

150:3–6 The list of musical instruments here has a cumulative effect, which culminates in the call for everything to praise Yahweh.

Musical Instruments EBC Ps—So

150:3 with blast of horn The shophar (“ram’s horn”) was mainly used as a signaling device. See note on 1 Kgs 1:34.

with harp and lyre Describes two different stringed instruments. See note on Psa 92:3.

150:5 with sounding cymbals The word tseltselim may refer to cymbals, clanging pans, or castanets.

150:6 Every breathing thing Everything that can breathe is called upon to praise Yahweh.

Every breathing thing, let it praise Yah The call to praise Yahweh concludes both the psalm and the book of Psalms. See note on v. 1; compare 135:1 and note.

	About Faithlife Study Bible Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.
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