Psalms 150 Summary & Study Guide

The hundred and fiftieth psalm is the grand finale of the Psalter, an explosive and symphonic "Hallelujah" that calls for every available instrument and every living breath to praise the Lord. The setting is the "Sanctuary" on earth and the "Mighty Heavens" above. It is a world where the "Mighty Deeds" and the "Excellent Greatness" of the Lord are the fuel for a cacophony of sound: the trumpet, the lute, the harp, the tambourine, the strings, the pipe, and the "loud clashing cymbals." It is a portrait of a universe that has become a single, overwhelming instrument of worship.

The narrative movement is a series of thirteen "Praises," covering the "Where," the "Why," and the "How" of the believer's response. The psalm—and the book of Psalms—reaches its ultimate conclusion with the universal command: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" The movement is from the "instrumental music" of the temple to the "existential breath" of all life, showing that the purpose of all existence is the "Glorification" of the Maker. It is a song of total, unadulterated, and eternal joy. The "Cymbals" leave the final vibration in the air: the King is worthy.

The spirit of this psalm gives theology of "Breath," where the act of "Living" is intended to be the act of "Praising." It teaches that the "Mighty Heavens" are the echo chamber for the "Sanctuary" below. The "Multitude of Instruments" represents the total engagement of the individual and the community: the body, the art, and the air. To "praise" is the only logical conclusion to a history that has been redeemed by the "Mighty Deeds" of the King. True life is the "Hallelujah" that never stops. Our breath is His Song.

The ultimate "Mighty Deed" that loosed the "breath" of humanity to praise God forever is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ is the "Sanctuary" in whom we now praise the Father, and He is the One who will lead the "loud clashing cymbals" of the New Jerusalem for eternity. This psalm reminds us that because of Jesus, even our last breath can be a Hallelujah. We are invited to join the symphonic praise of the ages, knowing that our King has already won the final note. Our joy is His Fullness.