Psalms 150:1

PSALM CL

A general exhortation to praise God, 1, 2.

With the trumpet, psaltery, and harp, 3.

With the timbrel and dance, stringed instruments and organs, 4.

With the cymbals, 5.

All living creatures are called upon to join in the exercise. 6.

NOTES ON PSALM CL.

This Psalm is without title and author in the Hebrew, and in all the ancient versions. It is properly the full chorus of all voices and instruments in the temple, at the conclusion of the grand Hallelujah, to which the five concluding Psalms belong.

Verse Psalms 150:1. Praise God in his sanctuary] In many places we have the compound word הללו-יה halelu-yah, praise ye Jehovah; but this is the first place in which we find הללו-אל halelu-el, praise God, or the strong God. Praise him who is Jehovah, the infinite and self-existent Being; and praise him who is God, El or Elohim, the great God in covenant with mankind, to bless and save them unto eternal life.

In his sanctuary - in the temple; in whatever place is dedicated to his service. Or, in his holiness - through his own holy influence in your hearts.

The firmament of his power.] Through the whole expanse, to the utmost limits of his power. As רקיע rakia is the firmament of vast expanse that surrounds the globe, and probably that in which all the celestial bodies of the solar system are included, it may have that meaning here. Praise him whose power and goodness extend through all worlds; and let the inhabitants of all those worlds share in the grand chorus, that it may be universal.