Psalm 150 is the last chapter in the book of Psalms. It is a closing hymn of praise. The author is not known, but he shares with us that God's creation praises him everywhere in every way. We should join this rejoicing song of praise.
Music and song were an integral part of Old Testament worship. David introduced music into the tabernacle and temple services, found in 1 Chronicles 16:4-6. The music must have been loud and joyous as was also evidenced by the list of instruments and the presence of choirs and song leaders. Music was also important in New Testament worship as well
(Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16).
1 Chronicles 16:4-6 - "He (David) appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. 6-Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab,Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets before the ark of the covenant of God"
Ephesians 5:19 - "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord"
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God"
Psalm 150:6 - "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD"
How could the message be any more clear? The writer was telling the individual listeners to praise God. What a fitting way to end this book of praise - with a direct encouragement for you to praise God too. Remember to praise him every day!
In a way, the book of Psalms parallels our spiritual journey through life. It begins by presenting us with two roads - the way to life and the way to death. If we choose God's way to life, we still face both blessings and troubles, joy and grief, successes and obstacles. Throughout it all, God is at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting and caring.
As the wise and faithful person's life draws to an end, he or she realizes clearly that God's road is the right road, Knowing this will cause us to praise God for leading us in the right direction and for assuring our place in the perfect world God has in store for those who have faithfully followed him.
Psalm 150 / New International Version
ReplyDelete1 Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.