Psalm 150 closes the Psalter with a symphony of praise to God. 13 times the command is given to “praise the LORD” or “praise God.” Where can I praise him? On earth “in his sanctuary” and “in his mighty heavens” (1). Why should I praise God? Because of his “mighty deeds” (2a). To what extent should I praise him? “According to his excellent greatness!” (2b). This means there will be no end to my praise, since his excellent greatness is infinite. IOW, I will never be able to praise God enough for all that he is worthy of. With what or how may I praise him? “With trumpet sound,” “lute & harp,” “tambourine & dance,” “strings & pipe,” “sounding cymbals, loud clashing symbols” (3-5). This sounds like praising God is not a quiet activity. I don’t need to be quiet or reserved in my praise. Like King David, I am free to “celebrate before the LORD,” as long as I make sure it’s truly for the LORD and not to be seen by people around me (2 Samuel 6:16, 21).
Finally, who should praise Yahweh? “Let everything that has breath praise Yahweh!” (6). Every living creature has what it takes to praise God – breath. So as long as I am alive and breathing, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD! Hallelujah!
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