Psalm 150

The last Psalm is a call to praise that is as far-reaching as the Creator and creation allows.  It is praise exclusively for the ONLY Object of praise (v1a) in every place (v1b) for everything about Him (v2) with every means at our disposal (v3-5) by everything that breathes (v6).

v1a: It is a call to praise the only true God, Yahweh (the covenant making One Who has come near His creation) and El (God, the Mighty One, transcendent over all).

v1b: Praise Him in His sanctuary (the holy place where He is perfectly set-apart) and in His mighty firmament (that aspect of creation that speaks most powerfully of His might).  The Holy Place, where we feel a sense of awe, where we must remove our shoes in deepest respect.  It is the only setting where the Eternal and Holy God will satisfy His desire to dwell with mankind, whether for eternity in His heavenly abode or in the former setting of the Israelite temple or in the spiritual temple of the body of Christ and the temple of the heart for believers.  And what else befuddles the mind of the natural man more than the thought that the unfolding greatness of the majesty of the heavens is the work of God the LORD?  To quote Spurgeon,

It is a blessed thing that in our God holiness and power are united.  Power without righteousness would be oppression, and righteousness without power would be too weak for usefulness; but put the two together in an infinite degree and we have God.

v2: He is to be praised for all He does and all He is!  Consider the works of God in creation where He both made and sustains all that exists.  Consider the works of God in your day-to-day life, providentially meeting every need.  Consider the works of God in redemption, in the sending of His Only Son Whom He loved and gave for man’s deepest need.  His works are the “footprint” of His perfections.  Praise Him for His perfections: love, grace, mercy, righteousness, wisdom and power; His eternity, unchangeableness, immensity, omnipresence self-existence and self-sufficiency.  

v3-5: He is to be praised with all we are and have, but these verses speak of praise that is “musical”.  It is a marvelous symphony with wind, string and percussion instruments.  The emphasis on music I believe means we are called to give praise and worship that is “in spirit” (John 4:24), something that comes from deep within.  The emphasis on both skillful and vigorous music indicates our praise is to be whole-hearted in the best way we possibly can.  God is deserving of this.

v6: If you are breathing give joyful praise to the Lord your God!  In every way.  With every ounce of strength.